Map of Ireland showing where the Kahan arms are recorded
The Kahan arms were recorded in Londonderry, c. 1637.
Londonderry was planted from England in the seventeenth century, with London companies granted the land. Their tenants and officers took arms and had them recorded, unusually carefully for Ireland.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Kahan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Londonderry.
Origin & History of the Kahan Family in Ireland
The surname Kahan has deep roots that connect to the complex history of migration and settlement in Northern Ireland. By 1637, records confirm that members of the family were established in Londonderry, a city that served as a major hub for settlers during the seventeenth century. The name is often associated with the broader linguistic traditions of the region, reflecting the blending of cultures that occurred as families moved across the British Isles and settled in Ulster. During this period, the family likely participated in the agricultural and trade activities that defined the growing city of Londonderry. Their presence in the area during this time suggests they were part of the foundational community that helped shape the social and economic landscape of the county for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cathán
Derived from the Old Irish word for battle or combat.
This name
KahanA diminutive form signifying a small warrior or one associated with battle.
also spelled
Cahan
Kahan
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Londonderry Corporation Records, 1637
Moody, T.W., The Londonderry Plantation 1609-1641: The City of London and the Plantation in County Londonderry, 1939
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