Map of Wales showing where the Morgano arms are recorded
The Morgano 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 Morgano 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 Morgano Family in Wales
The name Morgano is a distinct variation of the ancient Welsh name Morgan, which translates to "sea-born" or "sea-chief." While the name has deep roots across Wales, official records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in the coastal town of Cardigan by 1558. During this period, Cardigan was a bustling port and a center of trade, which likely helped the family maintain connections across the region. Families in this area often lived according to traditional Welsh naming customs, where individuals were identified by their father’s name rather than a fixed surname. As the sixteenth century progressed, the family began to adopt the more permanent form of Morgano to distinguish their lineage within the local community. Living in Cardigan placed them at the heart of Welsh social and economic life, allowing them to participate in the growth of the town during a time of significant cultural change.
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 Morgano arms are recorded
The Morgano 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 Morgano 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 Morgano Family in England
The family name Morgano has roots that trace back to the city of Worcester in the late sixteenth century. By the year 1569, records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established residents within the region. During this period, Worcester was a bustling center for trade and cloth production, which likely attracted families looking for work and stability. The name itself is often associated with Welsh origins, suggesting that the early ancestors of the Morgano family may have migrated from the borderlands of Wales into the English Midlands. Life in Elizabethan England was defined by strict social hierarchies and local parish duties, and these early family members would have been integrated into the daily life of the city through their local church and community guilds. As they settled into the area, they became part of the long history of migration that shaped the population of Worcester during the Renaissance.
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 Morgano arms are recorded
The Morgano 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 Morgano 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 Morgano Family in Ireland
The history of the Morgano name in Ireland begins with early records of the family living in Dublin as early as 1619. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, attracting people from across Europe who sought new opportunities in the growing city. While the name Morgano is often associated with Mediterranean origins, its presence in seventeenth-century Ireland suggests that members of the family were likely part of the merchant class or skilled laborers who traveled along established maritime trade routes. These early settlers integrated into the local urban environment, contributing to the diverse social fabric of the capital. By establishing themselves in Dublin, the family became part of the long history of migration that shaped the city into a cosmopolitan hub. Their presence in official records from this time indicates that they were recognized members of the community who participated in the legal and economic life of the Irish capital.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Morcant
Derived from the Brythonic elements for sea and circle or bright.
This name
MorganoA Welsh patronymic surname signifying descendant of the sea-born or sea-bright one.
also spelled
Morgen
Morrgan
Morgann
Morgaine
Morgant
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 Library of Wales, Cardigan Borough Records
The National Archives, Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Lay Subsidy Rolls
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
