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 Wales 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
PronunciationMOR-gan/ˈmɔːɡən/
The surname Morgan is deeply rooted in the Welsh language, originating from the ancient personal name Morcant, which combines the elements for sea and circle. By the time members of the family were documented in Cardigan in 1558, the name had transitioned from a descriptive title into a hereditary surname that identified a specific lineage. During this period, the Welsh people were increasingly adopting fixed surnames to align with English administrative practices, though many families still maintained strong connections to their ancestral lands and local community roles. In the coastal region of Cardigan, the Morgans were part of a society transitioning through significant cultural shifts, yet they remained tied to the traditional naming customs that had defined their ancestors for centuries. This evolution reflects a broader movement in Welsh history where families moved away from patronymic naming systems toward the stable surnames that persist today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. on a bend cotised sa. a fleur-de-lis betw. two cinquefoils of the field”
WorcesterLittle Comberton · Worcester, c. 1569
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Map of England showing where the Morgan arms are recorded
The Morgan arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1569.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Wales 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Morgan Family in England
PronunciationMOR-gan/ˈmɔːɡən/
The surname Morgan has deep roots in the British Isles, primarily originating from the Welsh language where it translates to "sea-born" or "sea-chief." While the name is famously associated with Wales, it spread across the border into England as families migrated for work and trade. By the late sixteenth century, the name was well-established in various English counties, including a documented presence in Worcester by 1569. During this era, the spelling of surnames was not standardized, so the name often appeared in local records as Morgan, Morgen, or Morgon depending on how the local clerk heard the pronunciation. These early English Morgans were typically part of the growing middle class, working as merchants, craftsmen, or local landowners who helped shape the social fabric of towns like Worcester during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 griffin segreant sa. armed, beaked, and forelegged gu. a border of the second”
DublinDublin, c. 1619
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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 Wales 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
PronunciationMOR-gan/ˈmɔːɡən/
The family name Morgan has deep roots in Ireland that stretch back several centuries. While the name is often associated with Welsh origins, it became firmly established in the Irish landscape through migration and settlement. By the year 1619, records confirm that members of the Morgan family were already living and working in Dublin. During this period, the city served as a growing center for trade and administration, attracting families who sought new opportunities in urban life. These early settlers helped integrate the name into the local community, where it eventually spread across different regions of the country. Over time, the family became part of the social fabric of Ireland, contributing to the historical development of the capital and beyond.
Morgan Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Morcant
Derived from the Old Welsh elements for sea and circle.
This name
MorganA name of Brythonic origin signifying a sea-born warrior or sea-chief.
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
Charles, B. G., The Place-Names of Pembrokeshire, 1992
Morgan, T. J. and Morgan, P., Welsh Surnames, 1985
The National Archives, Court of Chancery: Six Clerks Office: Pleadings, Series I, C 1
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cinquefoilHope and joy
bordureA difference between branches of one family
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
