A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Flannagan family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6910 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. out of a mount in base vert an oak tree ppr. a border of the second”
IrelandConnaught, c. 1645
Where the Flannagan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Flannagan arms are recorded
The Flannagan arms were recorded in Connaught, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Flannagan 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Flannagan Family in Ireland
The name Flannagan originates from the Gaelic term *Ó Flannagáin*, which translates to the descendant of the red one. This name was historically associated with several distinct septs, or family groups, that emerged independently across different regions of Ireland, including County Roscommon and County Fermanagh. By the mid-seventeenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in Dublin. This period was a time of significant political upheaval in Ireland, and the movement of families into urban centers like Dublin often reflected broader shifts in land ownership and social structures during the mid-1600s. As the family integrated into the life of the capital, they transitioned from their traditional rural roots into the evolving administrative and social landscape of the city. Their presence in 1645 serves as a clear marker of their long-standing integration into the history of Ireland’s most prominent urban hub.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. on a mount in base an oak tree ppr. a border vert”
EnglandCinel Farga, c. 1620
Where the Flannagan Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Flannagan arms are recorded
The Flannagan arms were recorded in Cinel Farga, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Flannagan arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Flannagan Family in England
The name Flannagan originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Flannagáin, which translates to the descendant of the red one. While the name is deeply rooted in Irish history, members of the family established a presence in England as early as the seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that individuals bearing this name were living in the city of York. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade and administration, attracting people from across the British Isles who sought new opportunities in urban centers. These early settlers were part of a broader movement of people crossing the Irish Sea to integrate into English society. As they settled in cities like York, families often adapted to local customs while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. This transition marked the beginning of the name’s long-standing history within the English landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Flann
An ancient Gaelic term referring to a deep red or ruddy color.
This name
FlannaganA descendant of the red-haired or ruddy-complexioned person.
also spelled
Flanagan
Flannagan
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. Civil Survey of the County of Dublin. 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.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bordureA difference between branches of one family
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
