A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Connellan family of Ireland.
Reg. 7476 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
hedgehogA provident provider
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per fess az. and vert, a fess or, betw. in chief a pelican ar. vulned gu. and in base a land tortoise pass. of the third”
KilkennyCoolmore · Kilkenny, c. 1645
Where the Connellan Arms Were Recorded
Kilkenny
Map of Ireland showing where the Connellan arms are recorded
The Connellan arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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 Connellan 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 Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Connellan Family in Ireland
The surname Connellan is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Conalláin, which translates to descendant of Conallán. The name is rooted in the ancient Irish tradition of using patronymics to identify family lineages. Historically, the family was associated with the province of Connacht, but by the mid-seventeenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in County Kilkenny. Records from 1645 confirm that the family was active in this region during a period of significant political upheaval in Ireland. As the family moved and settled in different parts of the country, they became deeply integrated into the local social and economic structures of their respective communities. This transition from their ancestral roots to new territories highlights the resilience and adaptability of the family throughout the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Conall
Derived from the Gaelic elements meaning strong wolf or hound.
This name
ConnellanA patronymic surname signifying a descendant of the high-born hound or wolf.
also spelled
O'Connellan
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
hedgehogA provident provider
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
hedgehogA provident provider
