Map of Ireland showing where the Doran arms are recorded
The Doran arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1641.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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 Doran 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Doran Family in Ireland
The surname Doran originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Deoradháin, which translates to a descendant of the wanderer or the exile. The family was historically associated with the province of Leinster, particularly in the areas that now make up County Wexford and County Laois. By the time of the 1641 rebellion, the Doran family was well established as a prominent landholding group in Wexford. During this period of intense political upheaval, many families of Gaelic origin faced significant challenges as their ancestral lands were surveyed and redistributed. Despite these pressures, the name remained deeply rooted in the local landscape, reflecting a long history of resilience and connection to the southeastern region of Ireland.
Doran Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
deoradh
An exile, wanderer, or stranger.
This name
DoranRefers to a descendant of a wanderer or a pilgrim.
also spelled
Dorren
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
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
