Ó Rothláin


Ó Rothláin is an Irish surname. The name is a Patronym meaning "descendant of Rothlán." It is suggested that it is a possible variant of Ó Raghalláin, or Ó Roghallaigh. It is the pre-anglicised, Irish form of the names Rowlan, Rowland, Rowlands, Rollan, Rollin, Rolan and Rowley. The name can also be found spelled as Ó Rothlán, Ó Rothlain, O'Rothlain, Rothlán, and Rothlan.

Overview

The Ó Rothláin families have a strong link with County Mayo, and Country Sligo in the province of Connacht, and belong to the Uí Fiachrach. Historically, the family held the role of chieftain.

History

Chieftains of the Principality of Coolcarney

states in a poem written in 1417 that, Coolcarney "embraced the territory between Beel Lasa and the Brosnach river in Castleconnor." William Gregory Wood-Martin wrote that the family territory included Cluain na gCliabhrach. Mac Fhirbhisigh describes "O'Rothlain the Ready" as one of four chieftains in Coolcarney and states that they were a "festive party." Of Coolcarney John O'Donovan stated:
"These are it’s hereditary tribes, namely, O’Rothlain it’s chieftain, and Ua Cuinn, Ua Iarnain, and Ua Finain.”