A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Maloney family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5280 · French, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au lion d'arg., acc. de trois étoiles du même. C.: un homme, arm. de toutes pièces, tenant de sa main dextre une lance en pal et de sa sen. un bouclier. S.: à dextre une licorne, à sen un Pégase, coll. chacun d'une couronne d'azur, enchaînée du même. D.: FIDELIS AD URNAM.”
Francec. 1785
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of France showing where the Maloney arms are recorded
The Maloney arms were recorded in France, c. 1785.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XVI of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XVI of France
1774–1791
Reigning in France when the Maloney arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Maloney Family in France
The family name Maloney has deep roots that connect to the unique cultural landscape of the Brittany region in France. By the year 1785, records confirm that members of the family were already established within this coastal province. During this period, Brittany functioned as a distinct territory with its own traditions and language, often serving as a bridge between continental Europe and the maritime routes of the Atlantic. Families living in this area were frequently involved in local trade, agriculture, or the seafaring industries that defined the Breton economy. The presence of the Maloney name in these official documents suggests that the family was integrated into the social fabric of the region during a time of significant transition in French history. These early members likely navigated the complex local customs of the era while contributing to the growth of their communities before the major political shifts that would soon reshape the nation.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, on a bend az. three crosses pattée ar”
DublinDublin, c. 1581
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Maloney arms are recorded
The Maloney arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1581.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Maloney 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 Maloney Family in Ireland
The surname Maloney originates from the Gaelic name Ó Maol Dhomhnaigh, which translates to a devotee or servant of the church. This name emerged from the ancient tradition of families dedicating their lives to religious service in Ireland. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a presence in urban centers like Dublin, as evidenced by records from 1581. During this period, the name was often anglicized as the family integrated into the changing social structure of the city. While the name is most strongly associated with the province of Munster, its appearance in Dublin historical documents suggests that members of the family were active participants in the administrative and commercial life of Ireland’s capital during the Tudor era. These early ancestors helped bridge the gap between traditional Gaelic society and the evolving landscape of early modern Ireland.
Maloney Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ó Maol Dhomhnaigh
Descendant of the devotee of the church.
This name
MaloneyRefers to a follower or servant dedicated to the church or Sunday.
also spelled
Malonne
Malon
Malowne
Malown
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série E, État civil et registres paroissiaux
Delumeau, Jean, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1969
Meyer, Jean, La noblesse bretonne au XVIIIe siècle, 1966
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
