Map of Scotland showing where the Culhane arms are recorded
The Culhane arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Culhane arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Culhane Family in Scotland
The surname Culhane is historically rooted in the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, originating from the name Ó Colcháin, which translates to a descendant of Colchán. While the family name has deep Irish origins, members of the lineage established a notable presence in Edinburgh by 1748. During the eighteenth century, Edinburgh was a major center for trade and intellectual growth, attracting many people from across the British Isles who sought new opportunities in the city's expanding industries. Families like the Culhanes often integrated into the local urban population by working in skilled trades or commerce. This migration reflects the broader movement of people between Ireland and Scotland during the Enlightenment era, as individuals moved to urban hubs to participate in the rapid social and economic changes of the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O hAileacháin
Derived from the Gaelic word for a descendant of a strategist.
This name
CulhaneA surname of Irish origin meaning descendant of the little clever or cunning one.
also spelled
Cullan
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Records of Scotland. Old Parish Registers, Births and Baptisms. 1748
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall. 1923
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
cinquefoilHope and joy
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
cinquefoilHope and joy
