O'Halloran[1] is the surname of the ultimate and at least two distinct Gaelic-Irish families, one in County Galway and another in south-east County Clare linked to the Dál gCais. On occasions it is translated as "stranger" or "from across the sea". The name states that this family were "importers" and were the lords, and dominant sept of Clan Fergail (Clann Fhearghaile).[2][3][1]
In the twelfth century the O'Hallorans were chiefs of twenty-four town lands of the túath of Clan Fergail. These lay east to the river of Galmith (or "Galway"). In the 13th century the O'Hallorans were dispossessed of their ancient inheritance of Clan Fergail by the "De Burgos" (Burke) invaders. The O'Hallorans and the O'Flahertys were obliged to emigrate to Iar (west) Connaught, where they built the castle of O'Hery.[4][3]
The motto of the Galway family is Clann Fearghaile Abú, which comes from their dynastic name.
Name Variations include: O'Halleron, O'Hollearn, Halloran, Holloran, Hollern, Holleran, Haloran, O'Halleran and in Gaelic, Ó hAllmhuráin or Ó hAlluráin)
