A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gwyn family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 0313 · Welsh, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a fesse or, betw. two swords, the point of that in chief upwards, the other downwards, both in pale ar. hilted of the second”
GlamorganDyffryn · Glamorgan, c. 1647
Where the Gwyn Arms Were Recorded
Glamorgan
Map of Wales showing where the Gwyn arms are recorded
The Gwyn arms were recorded in Glamorgan, c. 1647.
Glamorgan was the richest part of Wales, with good coastal farmland and Norman castles along it. The families who held those castles kept their land for centuries, and long holding brought recorded 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Gwyn arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Glamorgan.
Origin & History of the Gwyn Family in Wales
The surname Gwyn originates from the Welsh word *gwyn*, which translates to white, fair, or blessed. In the context of early Welsh naming traditions, this descriptor was often used as a nickname to describe a person with a light complexion or fair hair before it eventually became a permanent hereditary surname. By the mid-seventeenth century, the name was firmly established within the social fabric of Glamorgan. Records from 1647 confirm that families bearing the name were active participants in the local community life of this region during a period of significant political and social transition in Wales. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local landowning and administrative systems of South Wales, reflecting the broader trend of Welsh families adopting fixed surnames to manage property and legal affairs more effectively.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three lions ramp. or”
NorfolkNorfolk, c. 1620
Where the Gwyn Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Gwyn arms are recorded
The Gwyn arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Wales when the Gwyn 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Gwyn Family in England
The surname Gwyn is deeply rooted in the Welsh language, where it originates from the word for white, fair, or blessed. While the name is famously associated with Wales, branches of the family moved across the border into England over several centuries. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Gwyn family were well-established in the county of Norfolk. During this period, families often moved to follow new economic opportunities or to serve in local government and the church. These early settlers in Norfolk integrated into the local community while maintaining the unique identity of their ancestral name. Their presence in the region highlights how surnames traveled alongside people as they sought to build new lives in different parts of the country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 pale az. and gu. three lions ramp. ar., an escutcheon of pretence, quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a chev. sa. in chief a label of three points gu.; 2nd and 3rd, ar. a chev. betw. three mullets gu”
IrelandRochester, c. 1701
Where the Gwyn Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Gwyn arms are recorded
The Gwyn arms were recorded in Rochester, c. 1701.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Wales when the Gwyn 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 Gwyn Family in Ireland
The family name Gwyn has deep roots that connect to the movement of people across the Irish Sea. While the name is often associated with Welsh origins, records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1701. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, attracting skilled workers and merchants from across Britain. Families like the Gwyns often moved to the city to take advantage of the growing economic opportunities in the capital. Once they arrived, they integrated into the local community and became part of the city’s evolving social fabric. Over time, these early settlers helped shape the urban life of Dublin, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the region as they transitioned from newcomers to established residents.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gwyn
Derived from the Proto-Celtic word for white or fair.
This name
GwynA Welsh descriptor meaning white, fair, or blessed.
also spelled
Gwinn
Gwin
Guin
Gwine
Gwynne
Related arms
Gwinevariant spelling
Barlowrecorded with Gwyn, same area
Edwardsrecorded with Gwyn, same area
Iveryrecorded with Gwyn, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Morgan, T. J. and Morgan, P., Welsh Surnames, 1985
Rowlands, John and Rowlands, Sheila, The Surnames of Wales, 1996
The National Library of Wales, Great Sessions Records for Glamorgan
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swordJustice, and military honour
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swordJustice, and military honour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
