A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dowlin family of Ireland.
Reg. 1676 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. a holly tree eradicated ppr. on a chief az. a lion pass. betw. two trefoils slipped or”
KilkennyKilkenny, c. 1645
Where the Dowlin Arms Were Recorded
Kilkenny
Map of Ireland showing where the Dowlin arms are recorded
The Dowlin 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 Dowlin 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 Dowlin Family in Ireland
The family name Dowlin has deep roots in the Irish county of Kilkenny, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1645. The name is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Dúnlaing, which translates to descendant of Dúnlaing. This original Gaelic name is associated with the ancient kingdom of Leinster and carries a history linked to regional leadership and local influence. During the seventeenth century, families like the Dowlins were often deeply embedded in the social and agricultural life of the Irish countryside. As the English language became more common in Ireland, the spelling shifted from its traditional Gaelic form to the version used today. By remaining in areas like Kilkenny for generations, the family helped preserve their local identity despite the many political and social changes that defined life in Ireland during the mid-1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dubhshláin
Derived from the Gaelic words for black or dark and defiance.
This name
DowlinRefers to a descendant of one who was dark-haired or a dark challenger.
also spelled
Dowling
Dooling
Dowlin
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 Kilkenny, 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
