A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Conolly family of Ireland.
Reg. 3309 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
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 saltire engr. sa. five escallops of the field”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Conolly Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Conolly arms are recorded
The Conolly 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 Conolly 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 Conolly Family in Ireland
The surname Conolly originates from the Gaelic name Ó Conghalaigh, which translates to descendant of the hound-valiant or wolf-fierce. This name was historically associated with several distinct septs across Ireland, meaning families with this name often emerged independently in different regions rather than sharing a single common ancestor. By the year 1645, records confirm that members of the Conolly family were well-established in Dublin. During this period, the family was deeply integrated into the social and economic life of the city as it navigated the turbulent political shifts of the seventeenth century. As the name became anglicized over time, it evolved into various spellings, yet it remained a prominent fixture in Irish history. The family’s presence in Dublin during the mid-1600s highlights their role as urban dwellers who participated in the growth of the capital during a time of significant national transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Conghalach
Derived from the Gaelic word for valiant or hound-like warrior.
This name
ConollySignifies a descendant of the valiant or wise hound-like warrior.
also spelled
Conoley
Conally
Related arms
Cornceley, Cornsley, or Conolleysame arms
Covellsame arms
Mac Geogheganrecorded with Conolly, same area
Nettervillerecorded with Conolly, same area
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.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
