Family Crest Series

Are there any Dulaneys or Dulanys here? Someone traced our surname back to Ireland in the 17th Century. Interested to know what my family crest looks like.

Hi Robert, 

It's great that you're interested in the origins and history of the surname Dulaney. 

The name Dulaney originally appeared in Gaelic as Dubhshlainte. The word 'dubh' means black, and Slaine is topographical; it is Anglicized as Slaney, and may refer to the river Slaney. The name was first found in Leinster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Many spelling variations of the surname Dulaney can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Delaney, Delany, Delane, Delaune, Dalaney and others.

On Griffith's Valuation Map, you can see where households by this name were located around the mid 19th century. 

If you'd like to connect with other Dulaneys, feel free to start a new thread here on the Community as well! :) 

Wishing you a lovely Sunday, 

Melin

I am looking for McMahans. We are Ulster-Scots, I am wondering if there is a family crest or coats of arms. I know most of once he arrived in the States. 

Hi Phillip,

Your family also has an interesting history! In Gaelic, it is written Mac Mathghamhna, which means 'bear'. This surname was first found in County Clare, in the west of Ireland.

Your family certainly has a coat of arms as well, you can read more interesting information about the McMahan surname, and see the family crest.
Have a great day!

David