A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barran family of Ireland.
Reg. 0708 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
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)
“Ar. three griffins' heads erased gu. and a border gobony of the field and sa”
DublinNicholas Barran · Dublin, c. 1645
Where the Barran Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Barran arms are recorded
The Barran arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1645.
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 Ireland when the Barran 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 Barran Family in Ireland
The name Barran has deep roots in the historical landscape of Dublin, with records confirming the presence of family members in the city as early as 1645. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, and families like the Barrans were often involved in the urban development of the capital. The name likely evolved from regional naming traditions or occupational descriptions common in Ireland at the time. By settling in a major port city, these early ancestors were positioned at the heart of Irish commerce and social life. Their presence in the mid-1600s suggests that the family was well-established during a period of significant transition in Irish history. Over the following generations, the family name became a part of the local fabric, reflecting the broader movement of people and the growth of Dublin as a primary hub for families seeking opportunities in the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Barra
Derived from the Gaelic word for a spear or point.
This name
BarranA topographical name for someone living near a hill or a pointed headland.
also spelled
Barren
Baron
Related arms
Baronvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Royal Irish Academy, A New History of Ireland, Volume III: Early Modern Ireland 1534–1691, 1976
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
bordureA difference between branches of one family
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
