Map of Ireland showing where the Mckenna arms are recorded
The Mckenna arms were recorded in Monaghan, c. 1645.
Monaghan was drumlin country on the southern edge of Ulster. Old Irish families held it before the plantations and settlers after, and both sorts took arms as landowners.
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 Mckenna 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 Monaghan.
Origin & History of the Mckenna Family in Ireland
The McKenna family name originates from the Gaelic name Mac Cionnaith, which translates to son of Cionnaith. The name Cionnaith itself is thought to mean born of fire or fire-begotten. By the mid-seventeenth century, the McKenna clan was firmly established as a powerful force in County Monaghan. They held significant influence in the region known as Truagh, which sits along the border of present-day County Monaghan and County Tyrone. During this period, the family acted as local lords and protectors of their territory. They maintained a strong presence in the area even as political changes swept across Ireland in the 1640s. Their history is deeply tied to the landscape of Monaghan, where they remained a prominent local family for many generations.
Mckenna Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cionnaith
Derived from the Gaelic word for love or affection.
This name
MckennaRefers to the son of the one who is beloved or affectionate.
also spelled
McKenna
Kenna
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. 1892
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of County Monaghan. 1654
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
