A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Connell family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8276 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Coupé de sin. sur arg.; à un cerf pass. de l'un en l'autre, acc. de trois trèfles de l'un à l'autre, 2 et 1. C.: une tête et col de cerf d'arg., ch. d'un trèfle de sin. S.: deux cerfs au nat. D.: CIA'LL AGUS NEART; ou: POWER USED WITH JUDGMENT [Armes du célèbre patriote irlandais, Daniel O'Connell.]”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Connell arms are recorded
The O'Connell 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'Connell 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'Connell Family in Britain
The O’Connell family name has deep roots in Ireland, but its presence in Britain became notable by the turn of the eighteenth century. By 1700, records indicate that members of the family had established themselves in the county of Kent. During this period, Britain was experiencing significant social and economic shifts, and families often relocated across the Irish Sea to seek new opportunities in trade, military service, or agriculture. Settling in a region like Kent, which served as a vital gateway for travel and commerce between London and the continent, suggests that these early O’Connells were likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes of the time. While the name remains distinctly Gaelic in origin, its early history in Britain reflects the broader movement of people who helped shape the diverse social landscape of the British Isles during the Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 lion ramp. sa. holding in the dexter pa- a trefoil slipped vert, on a chief az. three mullets or”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Connell arms are recorded
The O'Connell arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the O'Connell 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'Connell Family in Ireland
The O’Connell family name originates from the Gaelic term Ó Conaill, which translates to descendant of Conall, a name meaning strong as a wolf. While the family is most famously associated with the rugged landscapes of County Kerry, historical records confirm their presence in the bustling city of Dublin as early as 1645. During this period, the family navigated the complex political and religious shifts occurring across Ireland. As members of the Gaelic nobility, they often held significant influence within their local territories before the widespread changes brought on by the seventeenth-century land settlements. Their transition from rural chieftains to urban residents in Dublin highlights the adaptability of the family as they sought to maintain their status and connections during a time of great national upheaval.
O'Connell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Conaill
Derived from the Gaelic words for hound and strong or mighty.
This name
O'ConnellDescendant of the high-born leader or the strong hound of the clan.
also spelled
O'Connel
Okonel
Connell
Connel
Related arms
Connellvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall. 1923
The National Archives, Kew. Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
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
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
