The Shield is: Sable, on a bend cottised argent, a rose gules,
buttoned or, leaved vert, between two annulets gules.
Translation: The rose symbolizes Beauty and Grace. The annulet
is held to be an emblem of Fidelity
The Crest is: The bust of a moor in profile, couped at the shoulders
proper and wreated about the temples argent and azure.
The Motto is: "Fide et amore", 'Faith and love'.
Origin: Ireland
Research yields two possible sources for the Irish Surname Conway. This name may be derived from the Mac Conmhaigh, an important Thomond sept till the end of the fourteenth century. They were one of the families who rallied to the O'Brien cause in 1317. As early as 1360, this name is recorded in Ireland; the Four Masters make note of the death of one Gillananaev O'Connmhaigh, said to be the chief professor of music in Thomond in that year. It is suggested that this name may be traceable to the old Gaelic term "condmach" meaning "head-breaker", and was undoubtedly used to denote one who was a fearsome warrior.
Equally, the name Conway may be an anglicized rendering of the Gaelic name O Conbuidhe which is derived from "cu buidhe" which means literally, "the yellow hound". This family held lands in Easky, County Sligo, where bearers of this name may still be found today. This family may number among their members many distinguished figures in Irish history. Father Ricard Conway (1586-1653), who was one of the Jesuits who helped to promote the counter-reformation in Ireland and Thomas Conway (1735-1800), second Count Conway, the Irish exile who became a Major General, Governor of all the French possessions in India and also a General in the American War of Independence, are merely two of the notable bearers of this name. This name was established in America at an early date; in Virginia in 1623 is included one Aron Conway, a resident of James' Cittie.
Source: Family Heritage Shop
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