A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fagen family of Ireland.
Reg. 9699 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Per chev. gu. and erm. in chief three covered cups or”
MeathDerry Fagan · Meath, c. 1248
Where the Fagen Arms Were Recorded
Meath
Map of Ireland showing where the Fagen arms are recorded
The Fagen arms were recorded in Meath, c. 1248.
Meath was the best farmland in Ireland and the old seat of its high kings. Norman families took it early and held it, and land of that quality kept the same families on it for centuries.
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.
Henry III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in Ireland when the Fagen 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 Meath.
Origin & History of the Fagen Family in Ireland
The surname Fagen has deep roots in Irish history, with early records placing the family in County Meath as far back as 1248. During this period, the name was often associated with the Anglo-Norman settlers who moved into the region following the initial arrival of these groups in Ireland. Over time, the family became well-established within the local community, transitioning from their roles as newcomers to becoming integrated members of the Meath landscape. The name likely evolved from older linguistic variations as it was adapted to the local Irish dialect. By maintaining a presence in this area for centuries, the Fagen family became part of the complex social and political fabric of medieval Ireland, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Fágáin
Derived from the Gaelic word for abandon or leave behind.
This name
FagenA patronymic surname signifying a descendant of the abandoned or little one.
also spelled
Fagen
Fagin
Faghan
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Curtis, Edmund, Calendar of Ormond Deeds, Vol. 1, 1172–1350, 1932
National Archives of Ireland, Plea Rolls of the reign of Henry III, Record Series RC 7
Sweetman, H.S., Calendar of Documents Relating to Ireland, 1171–1251, 1875
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
