Map of Britain showing where the O'Connor arms are recorded
The O'Connor 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'Connor 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'Connor Family in Britain
The O'Connor family name originates from the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, where it signifies a descendant of Conchobhar, a name meaning lover of hounds. While the name is deeply rooted in Irish history, members of the family began moving across the Irish Sea to Britain during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. By the year 1700, records confirm that individuals bearing the name were established in the county of Kent. This migration was often driven by the search for new economic opportunities or the movement of laborers and tradespeople seeking work in the growing industries of southern England. As these families settled into local communities, they integrated into the social fabric of Britain while maintaining their distinct cultural identity. Over time, the presence of the O'Connor name in regions like Kent became a testament to the long history of movement and connection between Ireland and Britain.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un arbre de sin., acc. d'un loup assis de sa., br. sur le pied de l'arbre; le tout soutenu d'une terrasse isolée du sec. C.: un bras arm., brandissant une épée, le tout au nat. Cri: FALIABO. S.: deux lions au nat. D.: VALORE ET FORTITUDINE.”
CastileCastile, c. 1722
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Map of Spain showing where the O'Connor arms are recorded
The O'Connor arms were recorded in Castile, c. 1722.
Castile was the heart of Spain and the source of most of its noble families. Land won in the long wars against the Moors was granted out to fighting men, and a man granted land was granted arms along with it.
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 Spain in this period.
Philip V of Spain
Sovereign of the period
Philip V of Spain
1714–1724
Reigning in Britain when the O'Connor arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Spain
In Spain, a coat of arms was considered a form of property that belonged to the entire family line. These arms were passed down from a father to all his children equally. Younger branches of the family usually kept the original design without needing to add any special marks to distinguish their specific line.
Granting authority
The Cronista Rey de Armas was the official body that regulated and granted coats of arms throughout Spain.
How they got arms
Families often obtained their arms through royal grants or by proving their noble status to the official heraldic authority.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the registers of the Cronista Rey de Armas starting in 1496.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Castile.
Origin & History of the O'Connor Family in Spain
The history of the O’Connor name in Spain is deeply tied to the migration of Irish nobility during the eighteenth century. Following the defeat of the Jacobite forces in Ireland, many prominent families sought refuge in Catholic nations like Spain to escape political persecution. By 1722, records confirm that members of the O’Connor family had established themselves in the Kingdom of Castile. They were often integrated into the Spanish military and administrative systems, where they were known by the Hispanicized spelling of O'Conor. These men frequently served as officers in the Irish regiments of the Spanish Army, which allowed them to maintain their status as members of the landed gentry while adapting to the customs of their new home. This transition from Irish chieftains to Spanish subjects highlights the family's ability to preserve their identity while navigating the complex social hierarchies of the Bourbon monarchy.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert a stag trippant ar”
ClareCorcomroe · Clare, c. 1584
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Connor arms are recorded
The O'Connor arms were recorded in Clare, c. 1584.
Clare was rocky western Irish country, poor in farmland but held tightly by a few old families. Land there changed hands rarely, and families who stayed put ended up in the records.
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'Connor 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 Clare.
Origin & History of the O'Connor Family in Ireland
The O'Connor name originates from the Gaelic phrase Ó Conchobhair, which translates to a descendant of Conchobhar, a name meaning lover of hounds. This family was part of the ancient Gaelic social structure where surnames were adopted to track lineage and tribal belonging. By the late sixteenth century, the O'Connors were well-established in County Clare, a region deeply influenced by the traditional power dynamics of the Dál gCais tribal confederation. During this period, the family lived through a time of significant political transition as the English administration sought to formalize land ownership and replace local customs with centralized legal systems. Records from 1584 confirm their presence in this area, showing that the family was deeply rooted in the landscape of western Ireland long before the modern era. Their history is tied to the survival of Gaelic culture and the endurance of family lines despite the pressures of colonial expansion and shifting regional authority.
O'Connor Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Conchobhar
Derived from the Gaelic words for hound and desire or wish.
This name
O'ConnorA patronymic surname meaning descendant of the lover of hounds or wolf-lover.
also spelled
Oconner
Okonor
Connor
Conner
Related arms
O'Donelansimilar arms
Connervariant spelling
Connorvariant spelling
Kellyrecorded with O'Connor, same area
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. Parish registers and settlement examinations for the county of Kent
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
wolfReward from long service and hard work
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
