A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Branagan family of Ireland.
Reg. 1732 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 pale gu. and or, a dexter hand erased betw. three cross molines all counterchanged”
Irelandc. 1610
Where the Branagan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Branagan arms are recorded
The Branagan arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1610.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Branagan 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 Branagan Family in Ireland
The family name Branagan has deep roots in Ireland, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in Dublin as early as 1610. The name is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Branagáin, which translates to a descendant of the little raven. During the early seventeenth century, the Branagans were part of the complex social landscape of a city transitioning under English rule. While many families of that era were displaced by political shifts and land confiscations, the presence of the Branagans in Dublin suggests they were integrated into the urban economy and civic life of the capital. They likely worked as tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the growing commercial activity that defined Dublin during the reign of King James I. By maintaining their presence in the city, the family navigated a period of significant religious and cultural change while preserving their distinct Irish identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bran
An ancient Gaelic word meaning raven or crow.
This name
BranaganA diminutive form signifying a descendant of the little raven.
also spelled
Branigan
Brannigan
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
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall. 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Dublin City Franchise Rolls
National Library of Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
handFaith, sincerity and justice
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
handFaith, sincerity and justice
