I know it sounds English, but there are numerous Holdens in Cos. Wexford and Kilkenny who are unrelated to the Anglican Holden name. Would there be a Gaelic spelling or pronounciation of the name? Many thanks!

Dan

Bail ó Dhia ort Dan.

There are Holdens in the south Leinster area, stated clearly to be of distinct origin, according to Mac Lysaght and (Seán) de Bhulbh. That is, rather than being an English toponymic, they are a form of what is otherwise called, 'Howlin'.
Their origin is from a diminutive of the personal name 'Howell', be it Welsh or Breton, i.e. Huw+ell+ín.
The Irish form for such is 'Húilín', [hu:l'i:n] which you may like to render something like 'hooleen'.
It has indeed been written Hoolan.

In the same area, one meets Powell, there, a transliteration of Welsh 'Ap Howell'.

Mac Lysaght has a lot of information on the name and it's spread in his 'More Irish Families', page 132.

Beir bua is beannacht.

Many thanks for the interesting information. Hope all is well at your end!

Dan

Tá fáilte romhat Dan - You're welcome. I'm a little bit too busy on this side of the world, but that has to change sometime soon. Agus athróidh, le cúnamh Dé.

Slán go fóill.

Seosamh