Am I right that the heraldry for the name Morgan is a Gryphon?

Question

All my research points to a Gryphon rampant/segreant, but I guess I'll ask here as well

Answer 1

Yes, it is (though it's usually spelled "griffin") - click on the first link below, please.

"The Morgan Coat Of Arms is officially documated in Burks General Armory. The original description is as follows: A GRIFFIN SEGREANT SA. When translated the Blazon also describes the original colors as "GOLD; A BLACK GRIFFIN ,ATTACKING." Above the Shield and Helmet is the Crest which is described as: "A GOLD
REINDEER'S HEAD' SEVERED'' WITH RED ANTLERS.

(see second link, please)


(P.M. does have a good point, though.)

"In order that heraldic symbolism would be able to identify the individual, rules evolved whereby each coat of arms could belong to only one person at a time.... In some European countries, a system of 'patronymic arms' has grown up - persons bearing a particular name, although perhaps unrelated, are considered as having an equal right to the arms of the name. This is not the case in Scotland and it is essential in understanding Scots heraldry to realize that the rule concerning the individuality of heraldry was, and is, strictly applied under Acts of the Scottish Parliament of 1592 and 1672; even an eldest son may not bear his father's arms during his father's lifetime without a suitable difference being displayed. Consequently, the terms 'family arms' or 'clan crest' are meaningless in Scotland. Arms are strictly personal to the owner and their use or display by others, without permission, is illegal."

Answer 2

P.M. is spot on.

A Coat of Arms is to do with a particular person, not to a family. A son could incorporate his father's Arms as part of his own, for instance.

Even if my ancestor was a Morgan, I have no right to use a Morgan's Coat of Arms. There may be quite a few for different Morgans.

Answer 3

No

Coats of arms are personal: an eldest son (or other heralidc heir) might inherit his father's arms, but there is no such thing as a "family" coat of arms in British Heraldry.

Answer 4

i don't know