I have traced my Irish ancestors back to Louisville, Kentucky. Michael Ruhan married Bridget (maybe McCue, but I think that is her 2nd marriage last name). The surname Ruhan is rare in the US and I think it was Americanized to Ryan. But Michael Ruhan came to American in th 1800s -- maybe 1837 (I found a passenger list from 1848 that shows a Michael Ruhan). I would love to know where my Irish people came from. Love the Irish and hope to visit some day. Just need to know where in Ireland Ruhans might be from. Thanks in advance. I also have Irish ancestors with the surname "Lee" but that is so common I give up on finding where they came from!
Monday 5th Mar 2012, 12:29AM
Message Board Replies
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Hi there,
The name Lee was numerous around the whole 32 counties (during the time of Griffith's Valuation 1848-64), but is more common in counties Cavan and Cork.
I have checked the name Ruhan in the 1901 census ans have only found 5 names. There are only 7 in the 1911 census. So this name is very uncommon here.
Why have you posted this message in County Galway? Have you some connection there?
Please make sure you link anyone else in your family who is interested in their Irish heritage to our site - and indeed anyone else you know of Irish heritage.
Kind regards,
Sinead Cooney
Genealogist (Ireland XO)
Monday 5th Mar 2012, 12:44PM -
I thought I read somewhere that Ruhan's were from Galway. I actually have no idea where to start. I know Michael Ruhan was born in Ireland. I know Thomas Lee was born in Ireland. That's as far back as I get then it's the brick wall. Is the last name "Ruhan" common in any county in Ireland? Thanks for any help.
Tuesday 6th Mar 2012, 12:55AM -
Hi Mary,
There is a Ruhan family living near Loughrea who I know. I'll see if I can connect you. It is a rare enough name - would wager you are related to them. Leave it with me.
Mike
Mike Feerick
Tuesday 6th Mar 2012, 06:49AM -
Hi Mary
I am part of the Ruhan family that Mike was referring to though we dont live in Loughrea anymore. I would be happy to share with you what I know but be warned it gets complicated as half of the family are "Ruhan" and the other half "Rohan"
Gabe
Monday 12th Mar 2012, 01:59PM -
Thank you Gabe. Yes, I would love to know any information that you have to figure out if they are the same Ruhans I am looking for. Also, I must confess my username "Mary Ruhan" is my great grandmother's maiden name. I did not know I was supposed to use my real name, which is Judy Bell Hilt. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Judy
Monday 12th Mar 2012, 02:09PM