A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Ryan family of Britain.
Reg. 7848 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
leafHappiness and abundance
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à la bande d'arg., ch. de six feuilles de laurier de sin., posées 2 et 2; aux 2 et 3 d'azur au chev. d'or, acc. de trois têtes d'aigle d'arg. C.: un griffon iss. de gu., tenant de ses pattes une épée d'arg. D.: MALO MORI QUAM FOEDARI.”
BritainMexique, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Ryan arms are recorded
The O'Ryan arms were recorded in Mexique, 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'Ryan 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'Ryan Family in Britain
The surname O’Ryan originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Riain, which translates to descendant of Rian. The name Rian is often associated with the meaning of little king or illustrious. While the family name is deeply rooted in the history of County Carlow in Ireland, members of the family began to migrate and establish themselves in other regions during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. By the year 1700, records show that individuals bearing the name had settled in Kent, England. This movement was likely driven by the broader social and political shifts occurring across the British Isles at that time. These early settlers in Kent helped carry the family name into new communities, marking a significant transition from its traditional Irish origins to a broader presence in the English landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Riain
Descendant of Rian, meaning little king.
This name
O'RyanA patronymic surname signifying the descendant of a small or young ruler.
also spelled
Ryan
O'Rian
Oryen
Related arms
Ryanvariant spelling
Orion, or Orrenvariant 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: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
The National Archives (UK), Registers of the Parish of St. Mary, Kent, Reference P 201/1/1
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
leafHappiness and abundance
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
leafHappiness and abundance
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
