Map of England showing where the Allen arms are recorded
The Allen arms were recorded in London, c. 1572.
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 England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Allen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Allen Family in England
The surname Allen has deep roots in England, where it emerged as a patronymic name derived from the personal name Alan. This name likely gained popularity following the Norman Conquest of 1066, as it was brought over by settlers from Brittany. By the time members of the family were documented in London in 1572, the name had already become well-established across various social classes. During the sixteenth century, London was a rapidly growing hub of trade and industry, and families named Allen were often found working as merchants, craftsmen, or members of the growing professional class. Because the name was common, it appeared frequently in parish registers and legal documents of the era, reflecting the family's integration into the daily life and administrative systems of the English capital.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Per bend indented ar. and gu. in sinister chief three crescents, and in dexter base a mullet, all counterchanged”
PerthshireGowrie · Perthshire, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Allen arms are recorded
The Allen arms were recorded in Perthshire, c. 1748.
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 England when the Allen 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 Perthshire.
Origin & History of the Allen Family in Scotland
The surname Allen has deep roots in the history of Scotland, where it evolved from the ancient Gaelic personal name Ailín. While the name is found across the British Isles, its presence in Scotland is tied to the movement of families through the central Highlands and the lowlands. By the mid-eighteenth century, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in the county of Perthshire. This region served as a vital crossroads between the Gaelic-speaking Highlands and the more urbanized southern areas, placing the family in a landscape defined by clan traditions and agricultural change. The presence of the family in Perthshire by 1748 suggests they were part of the local community during a time of significant social transition following the Jacobite risings. Over generations, the name became a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting the broader patterns of settlement and identity that shaped the Scottish population.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a chev. gu. betw. three torteaux, on each a talbot pass. of the field collared az. on a chief of the last a lion pass. guard. of the first, armed and langued of the second”
DublinLondon · Dublin, c. 1577
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Map of Ireland showing where the Allen arms are recorded
The Allen arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1577.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Allen 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Allen Family in Ireland
The history of the Allen family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the political and religious shifts of the sixteenth century. By 1577, members of the family were already established in Dublin, where they held significant influence within the city’s administrative and social circles. Many of these early settlers arrived from England to serve the Crown, often taking on roles in the legal system or the management of monastic lands that had been seized during the Reformation. As they integrated into Irish society, the Allens became prominent landowners and government officials. Their presence in Dublin during this period reflects the broader movement of English families who helped reshape the city’s governance and economy during the Tudor era. Over time, the family name became firmly associated with the development of the Pale, which was the area surrounding Dublin under direct English control.
Allen Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Alun
A Celtic name derived from the word for harmony or stone.
This name
AllenA surname of Gaelic origin meaning little rock or handsome.
also spelled
Allan
Allyn
Allin
Related arms
Cornishsame arms
Allynsimilar arms
Allanvariant spelling
Alanvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers, 1538–1812
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
