A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Allyn family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5460 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per fesse gu. and sa. a chev. rompu betw. three griffins' heads erased erm. on a canton ar. a cross potent betw. four crosses pattée az”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Allyn Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Allyn arms are recorded
The Allyn arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Allyn 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 Allyn Family in England
The surname Allyn traces its roots back to the medieval period in England, where it evolved as a variation of the name Alan or Allen. This name likely gained popularity due to the influence of Alan Rufus, a prominent Breton nobleman who arrived in England during the Norman Conquest. By the early 17th century, the Allyn family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region, which was a major center for trade and religious life at the time. Families with this name often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the growth of northern English towns. Over several generations, the name spread across the country, eventually becoming a recognized part of the English social landscape.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. two bars nebulée gu. in chief a label of three points sa”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Allyn Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Allyn arms are recorded
The Allyn arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Allyn 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Allyn Family in Ireland
The history of the Allyn name in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1645, members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a critical hub for trade and administration during a period of intense civil unrest. The name likely arrived in Ireland through English settlers who moved across the Irish Sea to take up roles in government, commerce, or the military during the expansion of English influence. As these families settled into the urban environment of Dublin, they became part of a growing class of professionals and merchants who helped shape the city’s development. Over time, the Allyn family integrated into the local community, transitioning from newcomers to residents who contributed to the social and economic fabric of the Irish capital. Their presence in the mid-seventeenth century highlights the broader movement of people who sought new opportunities in Ireland during a time of significant transition for the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ailin
A Gaelic word meaning little rock or handsome.
This name
AllynA variant of Alan, traditionally interpreted as meaning precious, harmonious, or stone.
also spelled
Allen
Allan
Allin
Alyne
Related arms
Allensimilar arms
Alenvariant spelling
Allanvariant spelling
Alleynvariant 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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, York City Archives: House Books, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
