A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Geoghegan family of Ireland.
Reg. 8843 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a lion ramp. sa. crowned and collared or, betw. two dexter hands couped gu. a crescent of the second charged with another of the first for diff”
Irelandc. 1646
Where the Geoghegan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Geoghegan arms are recorded
The Geoghegan arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1646.
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 Geoghegan 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 Geoghegan Family in Ireland
The Geoghegan family name is a proud Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic name Mag Eochagáin, which translates to the son of Eochagán. The family was historically powerful in the midlands of Ireland, particularly in the region known as Westmeath, where they served as prominent chieftains of the Cenél Fhiachach. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family had established a significant presence in Dublin, as evidenced by records from 1646. During this period of political upheaval in Ireland, many families of Gaelic noble descent moved into urban centers like Dublin to navigate the changing legal and social landscape. Over time, the name evolved from its original Irish spelling into the modern version used today, reflecting the family's long journey through the complex history of Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mag Eochagáin
Son of the descendant of Eochagán, a diminutive of Eachthighearn.
This name
GeogheganDerived from the Irish word for horse lord, signifying a noble warrior.
also spelled
Goghegan
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: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey, A.D. 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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
