Map of Ireland showing where the Funnell arms are recorded
The Funnell arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1663.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Funnell 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Funnell Family in Ireland
The surname Funnell is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Old French word "fonil," which referred to a funnel or a person who worked with such tools. While the name has deep roots in England, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1663. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and migration, and families like the Funnells often moved across the Irish Sea to take advantage of new economic opportunities in the city. These early settlers were often involved in local commerce or skilled trades, helping to integrate the name into the social fabric of Ireland. Over the following generations, the family became a permanent part of the Dublin community, reflecting the broader patterns of movement and settlement that defined the British Isles during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Founel
Derived from the Old French word for a small fountain or spring.
This name
FunnellAn occupational or topographical name for someone who lived near a small spring or water source.
also spelled
Fennill
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Ireland, 1660–1669
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
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
