Show ContentsConwells History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

  • Origins Available:
  • Ireland
Conwells Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Conwells

What does the name Conwells mean?

Hundreds of years ago, the Gaelic name used by the Conwells family in Ireland was Mac Conmhaoil.

Early Origins of the Conwells family

The surname Conwells was first found in the county of Derry, where they held a family seat, some say, they were descended from the Cenel Eoghain, (Clan Owen) the great northern tribe who were descended from Eoghan, son of King Niall of the Nine Hostages, (who lived about 365 A.D.) progenitor of the O'Neills. This ancient and distinguished tribe settled in Tyrone and Derry.

Early History of the Conwells family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Conwells research. Another 120 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1620 and 1845 are included under the topic Early Conwells History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Conwells Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Conwells can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include McConville, McConvill, McConwell, McConwel, Conwell, Conville, Convill, Convilles, Conwells, MacConville, MacConvill, MacConwell and many more.

Early Notables of the Conwells family

More information is included under the topic Early Conwells Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Conwells migration to the United States+

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Conwells name:

Conwells Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Bernard Conwells, who settled in Philadelphia in 1840
  • William Conwells, who settled in Philadelphia in 1868

The Conwells Motto+

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Age in aeternum
Motto Translation: Do forever


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