A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coghlan family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7407 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. three lions pass. guard. in pale ar”
Irelandc. 1654
Where the Coghlan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Coghlan arms are recorded
The Coghlan arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1654.
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.
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 Coghlan Family in Ireland
The Coghlan family name originates from the Gaelic term Mac Cochláin, which translates to the son of the one who wears a hooded cloak. Historically, the family held significant power as the lords of Delvin Eathra, a territory located in what is now County Offaly. They were recognized as a prominent sept within the province of Leinster, maintaining their influence through the medieval period. By the time of the mid-seventeenth century, records show that members of the family had established a presence in Dublin by 1654. This movement into the capital city often reflected the broader political shifts occurring in Ireland during that era, as families navigated the changing landscape of land ownership and social status under new administrations. The survival of the name through these centuries highlights the resilience of the family as they transitioned from regional leaders to urban residents.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Cochláin
Descendant of the person with a hooded cloak.
This name
CoghlanDerived from the Gaelic word for a hooded mantle or cowl.
also spelled
Coghlen
Coghlin
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. Civil Survey of 1654–1656
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lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
