Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à trois roses de gu.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Conan family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à trois roses de gu.”
The Conan arms were recorded in Guyenne, c. 1663.
Guyenne was the great wine country of south-western France, shipping claret to England for centuries. The trade made merchant families rich, they bought vineyards and estates with the money, and land of that kind brought arms with it.
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.
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
The surname Conan carries a deep history rooted in the ancient regions of France, particularly within the southwestern area known as Guyenne. By the year 1663, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this province, which was a vital center for trade and agriculture during the seventeenth century. The name itself is thought to have evolved from early linguistic roots, potentially linked to the Old Breton word for hound or warrior, reflecting the strong and resilient character of the people who first held the title. As the family lived in Guyenne, they were likely involved in the local social and economic structures of the time, navigating the complex political landscape of a region that had seen centuries of transition. Their presence in official documents from this era suggests that the family was a recognized part of the local community, contributing to the development of their home province through their daily work and civic participation.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Ar. a fesse sa. cottised gu. betw. two fleurs-de-lis of the second”
The Conan arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1602.
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 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.
The family name Conan has deep roots in the history of Ireland, appearing in records as early as the beginning of the seventeenth century. By 1602, members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a vital hub for trade and administration during a time of great political change. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Gaelic word *con*, which translates to hound, a term often associated with strength and loyalty in ancient Irish culture. As the family settled into the urban environment of Dublin, they became part of the growing merchant and professional classes that helped shape the city. While the name is often linked to broader Gaelic traditions, its presence in the capital city suggests that the family was well-positioned within the social and economic life of early modern Ireland.
A Proto-Celtic term meaning wise, intelligent, or hound.

