Map of Ireland showing where the Dowling arms are recorded
The Dowling arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1662.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Dowling 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 Dowling Family in Ireland
The surname Dowling originates from the Gaelic name Ó Dúnlaing, which translates to a descendant of Dúnlaing. This name is rooted in the ancient Irish word for a fortress or a stronghold. While the family name is famously associated with the province of Leinster, historical records confirm that members of the Dowling family were well-established in County Kilkenny by 1662. During this period, the family lived through a time of significant political change in Ireland, often working as landowners or farmers within the local community. Because the name was common in the region, many Dowlings became deeply integrated into the social and economic life of Kilkenny, helping to shape the local history of the area for generations.
Dowling Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dubh
An ancient Gaelic term meaning dark or black.
This name
DowlingDerived from a descriptor for a descendant of a dark-haired or dark-complexioned person.
also spelled
Dowlyn
Dowlyng
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. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Hearth Money Rolls, County Kilkenny. 1662
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
