Map of Ireland showing where the O'Flynn arms are recorded
The O'Flynn 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 Ireland when the O'Flynn 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'Flynn Family in Ireland
The name O'Flynn is an anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Floinn, which translates to descendant of Flann, a name meaning ruddy or red. While the family has deep roots in various parts of Ireland, historical records confirm their presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the city was a center of political and social change, and families like the O'Flynns were often involved in the urban life of the capital. The name itself reflects the ancient Irish tradition of using descriptive nicknames to identify lineages. Over many generations, the family transitioned from their original Gaelic territories to become established residents of Dublin, where they contributed to the city's growing population and history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Floinn
Descendant of Flann, meaning ruddy or red-complexioned.
This name
O'FlynnRefers to the lineage of a person with a reddish or ruddy complexion.
also spelled
Flynn
Flinn
Related arms
Flinnvariant spelling
Carrrecorded with O'Flynn, same area
Cassrecorded with O'Flynn, same area
Fitz-Clarencerecorded with O'Flynn, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
swordJustice, and military honour
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
swordJustice, and military honour
