A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Morgan family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 5413 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
What the shield shows
A gold background with a wavy black band across the middle and two black eagles along the top, their wings spread. The shield is divided so that it also carries the Copcott arms: twelve stripes of gold and blue.
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Or, a fess wavy sa. in chief two eagles displ. of the last, quartering for COPCOTT, barry of twelve or and az”
EssexBardfield · Essex, c. 1538
Where the Morgan Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Morgan arms are recorded
The Morgan arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1538.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Morgan 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Morgan Family in England
The surname Morgan has deep roots in the British Isles, primarily originating from the Welsh language. It is derived from the Old Welsh name Morcant, which combines the words for sea and circle or bright. While the name is famously associated with Wales, it spread across the border into England as people moved for work, trade, and marriage. By the time the English government began requiring formal parish records in 1538, the name was already well-established in various regions, including the county of Essex.
In 16th-century Essex, families with the name Morgan were often part of the growing class of farmers, tradespeople, and local craftsmen. The 1538 mandate for parish registers was a major turning point for family history, as it required local churches to record every baptism, marriage, and burial. These early documents show that the Morgan family had integrated into the local English community, living alongside neighbors and participating in the daily life of their parishes. Over the following centuries, the name continued to move through England, carried by families who helped shape the local history of their respective towns and villages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
triangleThe Trinity, and stability
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
What the shield shows
A gold background carrying three black stag heads, each cut off cleanly at the neck. The shield is divided so that it also carries a red section holding three silver snakes knotted together into a triangle.
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Or, three bucks' heads couped sa., for MORGAN; quartering, Gu. three snakes nowed in triangle ar., for EDNOWAIN AP BRADWEN”
CardiganCardigan, c. 1558
Where the Morgan Arms Were Recorded
Cardigan
Map of Wales showing where the Morgan arms are recorded
The Morgan arms were recorded in Cardigan, c. 1558.
Cardiganshire was west Welsh coastal country of small farms and coastal trade. Its landed families were modest and numerous, and each holding brought its own claim to 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.
Mary I
Sovereign of the period
Mary I
1553–1558
Reigning in England when the Morgan 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 Cardigan.
Origin & History of the Morgan Family in Wales
The surname Morgan originates from the Old Welsh name Morcant. This name is composed of the elements mor, meaning sea, and cant, which translates to circle or edge. Historically, the name was associated with the concept of a sea chief or a guardian of the sea. It has been a prominent name in Wales for centuries, deeply rooted in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. By the time records confirm the presence of the family in 1567, the name had already evolved from a personal name used by ancient kings and warriors into a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
During the sixteenth century, the use of surnames in Wales was becoming more standardized due to the influence of English administrative practices. Families like the Morgans often held land and played active roles in their local communities. They were frequently found in areas such as Monmouthshire and Glamorgan, where they established themselves as landowners and local officials. Because the name was tied to the ancient history of the Welsh people, it carried a sense of continuity and status. By 1567, the Morgans were well-integrated into the social fabric of Wales, reflecting a transition from the traditional Welsh naming system to the modern surname structure that persists today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
bordureA difference between branches of one family
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
What the shield shows
A silver background with a black griffin rearing up on its hind legs, its claws, beak and forelegs picked out in red. A black border runs round the edge.
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 griffin segreant sa. armed, beaked, and forelegged gu. a border of the second”
DublinDublin, c. 1619
Where the Morgan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Morgan arms are recorded
The Morgan arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1619.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Morgan 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 Morgan Family in Ireland
The name Morgan has deep roots in the history of Ireland, though its origins are often linked to both Welsh and Gaelic traditions. In the Welsh context, the name means sea-born or sea-circle. When the name appeared in Ireland, it was sometimes used to anglicize the native Gaelic name Ó Muireagáin, which translates to a descendant of a sea-warrior. This connection to the sea suggests that early families with this name were often associated with coastal regions or maritime trade.
By the early 17th century, the Morgan family had established a clear presence in Dublin. Records confirm that members of the family were living in the city by 1619. During this period, Dublin was a growing center of commerce and administration. Families like the Morgans often moved into the city to participate in the expanding merchant class or to serve in official government roles. Their presence in the capital during this time highlights how the family integrated into the social and economic life of Ireland as the country underwent significant political changes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mor
cant
Sea, circle.
This name
MorganThe defender or chief of the sea.
also spelled
Morgen
Morrgan
Morgann
Morgaine
Morgant
Related arms
Grosvenorsame arms
Jonessame arms
Lewissame arms
Mawganvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Parish registers: records of baptisms, marriages and burials, 1538–present
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
triangleThe Trinity, and stability
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
bordureA difference between branches of one family
