A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Canon family of Ireland.
Reg. 1438 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. on a chev. engr. betw. three crosses pattée sa. as many martlets of the first”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Canon Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Canon arms are recorded
The Canon 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 Ireland when the Canon 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 Canon Family in Ireland
The family name Canon has deep roots in Ireland, with historical records confirming the presence of family members in Dublin as early as 1645. The name is generally considered to be an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Canann, which translates to descendant of the wolf cub. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political activity, making it a significant location for families to establish themselves amidst the shifting social landscape of the era. As the name evolved over time, it became a fixture in local records, reflecting the broader movement of families who transitioned from traditional Gaelic structures into the urban environment of the capital city. By maintaining a presence in Dublin during this period, the early members of the Canon family participated in the complex history of a city that served as the primary gateway for both commerce and cultural exchange in Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
canón
A Latin term referring to a rule, law, or ecclesiastical official.
This name
CanonAn occupational name for a member of a religious order or a church official.
also spelled
Kanon
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: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
