Mullehan

Mullehan is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic O'Maoileachlainn, which translates to "descendant of Maoileachlainn." The personal name Maoileachlainn itself is believed to mean "devotee of Saint Seachlan." Saint Seachlan, also known as Saint Secundinus, was a companion of Saint Patrick and a bishop in Ireland during the 5th century.

The O'Maoileachlainn clan was historically prominent in the region of Westmeath in Ireland. They were a significant Gaelic sept, holding lands and considerable influence. Over centuries, as the anglicization of Irish names became common, O'Maoileachlainn evolved into various forms, including Mullan, Mullin, and Mullehan. The spelling Mullehan is less common than some of its variants but is still found among descendants of this ancient lineage. Families bearing the Mullehan surname can be found in Ireland, particularly in the historical territories of the O'Maoileachlainns, as well as in countries with significant Irish diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The name carries with it a connection to early Irish history and the spread of Christianity on the island.