A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Donnell family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1587 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. ch. d'une fasce d'arg. surch. du chiffre F. J. d'or; au 2 éc. en saut. d'or et de gu., à un bras paré d'or, mouv. du parti, la main de carn. tenant une croix latine de gu. Cq. cour. C.: deux bras, passés en saut., arm. d'arg., ornés d'or, les mains de carn., la main dextre supp. un coeur de gu., la sen. tenant une épée d'arg. en pal, garnie d'or et enflammée au milieu de la lame. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'or et de gu. S.: à dextre un léopard lionné d'or, arm. et lamp. de gu.; à sen. un taureau reg. de sa., accorné d'or. D.: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES.”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Donnell arms are recorded
The O'Donnell arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the O'Donnell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the O'Donnell Family in Britain
The O’Donnell family name carries a deep history that eventually reached the shores of Britain during a period of significant migration. While the name is famously rooted in the ancient Gaelic traditions of Ireland, members of the family began establishing themselves in England by the early 18th century. Records indicate that by the year 1700, individuals bearing the name were living in the county of Kent. During this era, families often moved across the Irish Sea to seek new opportunities in trade, military service, or agriculture within the growing British economy. These early settlers in Kent were part of a broader movement of people who brought their unique cultural heritage into the local communities of southern England. As they integrated into their new surroundings, they helped shape the diverse social landscape of the region while maintaining the legacy of their ancestral name.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
handFaith, sincerity and justice
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. two lions ramp. combatant ar. armed and langued gu. in chief a dexter hand couped erect betw. two mullets, and in base another mullet all of the second”
Irelandc. 1603
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Donnell arms are recorded
The O'Donnell arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1603.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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 Britain when the O'Donnell 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the O'Donnell Family in Ireland
The O’Donnell family name originates from the Gaelic name Ó Domhnaill, which translates to descendant of Domhnall. This name means world-ruler and highlights the family’s deep roots in the Gaelic tradition of Ireland. Historically, the O’Donnells were a powerful and influential dynasty based primarily in the northern province of Ulster. They served as the traditional rulers of Tyrconnell, which covers much of modern-day County Donegal. By the year 1603, the political landscape of Ireland was shifting rapidly due to the conclusion of the Nine Years' War and the subsequent flight of many Gaelic leaders. During this period, members of the family were present in Dublin, marking a transition from their traditional northern strongholds into the administrative and urban center of the country. This movement reflected the broader changes in Irish society as the old Gaelic order began to fade and the influence of the English administration grew stronger across the island.
O'Donnell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Domhnall
Derived from the Proto-Celtic elements for world and mighty ruler.
This name
O'DonnellA patronymic surname meaning descendant of the world-ruler.
also spelled
Odonel
Donnell
Donnel
Related arms
O'Donellvariant spelling
O'Donnel de Tyrconellvariant spelling
Donnellvariant spelling
Barkerollesrecorded with O'Donnell, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
The National Archives (UK). Registers of the Court of Chancery, Series C 104
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
handFaith, sincerity and justice
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
