A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Nolan family of Britain.
Reg. 3959 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 une croix alésée, supp. un lion léopardé, et cant. de quatre épées d'arg., les pointes en bas, le pommeau de chaque épée supp. un oiseau, le tout de gu. C.: un oiseau de gu.”
Britainc. 1700
Where the O'Nolan Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the O'Nolan arms are recorded
The O'Nolan 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'Nolan 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'Nolan Family in Britain
The name O’Nolan originates from the Gaelic term Ó Nualláin, which translates to a descendant of the famous or noble one. Historically, the family was a prominent sept based in the barony of Forth in County Carlow, Ireland, where they served as hereditary keepers of the shrine of Saint Laserian. By the year 1700, records indicate that members of the family had established a presence in Kent, England. This movement was likely part of a broader trend of migration during the late seventeenth century as individuals sought new opportunities or fled the political instability that followed the Williamite War in Ireland. Once settled in Kent, these early family members integrated into the local community while maintaining the distinct identity associated with their Irish roots.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nuallan
Derived from the Gaelic word for a shout or cry.
This name
O'NolanDescendant of the famous or noble one known for a loud voice.
also spelled
Onolen
Onolin
Nolan
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: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
The National Archives (UK). State Papers Domestic, 1690–1705
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
