Map of Ireland showing where the Flanagan arms are recorded
The Flanagan arms were recorded in Roscommon, c. 1645.
Roscommon was midland Irish grazing country, held by old Irish families before the plantations and by settlers after. Both sorts held land, and holding land is what brought arms.
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 Flanagan 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 Roscommon.
Origin & History of the Flanagan Family in Ireland
The surname Flanagan originates from the Gaelic name Ó Flannagáin, which translates to descendant of the red one. This name points to an ancestor who likely had a ruddy complexion or red hair. The family established themselves as a prominent sept in the province of Connacht, with a particularly strong historical presence in County Roscommon. By the mid-seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the family held significant influence in this region. During this era, the Flanagans were known as a learned and noble clan that played a vital role in the local political and social structure of the Irish midlands. Their deep roots in Roscommon allowed them to maintain their heritage and community ties despite the turbulent political shifts occurring across Ireland during the 1600s.
Flanagan Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Flann
An ancient Irish term meaning blood-red or ruddy in complexion.
This name
FlanaganA descendant of the red-haired or ruddy-complexioned one.
also spelled
Flanegan
Flanigan
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
O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. 1892
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of Ireland. 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
