The Irish surname Devlin is an Anglican rendering of the Gaelic surname O'Duibhlin, meaning literally, "descendant of Duibhlinn", a personal name which may be derived from the Gaelicterm "dubh"' meaning "black". This name would have been given to one who was distinguished among the community for their raven-colored locks. The O'Duibhlin sept controlled territories in Munter devlin on the Tyrone shore of Lough Neagh. Indeed their chiefs were styled Lords of that district. Bearers of this name are still most numerous in this region. The earliest written record of this name occurs in the thirteenth century, when it is documented that one O'Devlin was appointed Bishop of Kells in 1211. Later a Patrick O'Develin is listed as one of the leading figures of the rebel movement in thePortadown area in 1641. The name does not appear in the "census" takenin 1659, since the returns for County Tyrone are missing from that report. Itshould also be noted that a smaller sept of this name was established in Sligo, holding lands in the barony of Corran there. One of the members, Gillananaev O'Devlin, was granted the coveted position of standard bearer to the chief of the O'Connors. He was slain in battle in 1316. Descendants of this family have since dispersed and this name is no longer found in any numbers in that county. A notable bearer of this name was Anne Devlin (1778-1851). the faithful servantof Robert Emmet, who would not betray him to the authorities despite imprisonment and torture.
Blazon of Arms: Azure, an Irish cross or, between three mullets argent.
Translation: The cross is an emblem of the Christian faith and the mullet (star) denotes Honour and Achievement.
Crest: A griffin passant gules, charged on the shoulder with an Irish cross, as in the arms.
Motto: Crux Mea Stella.
Translation: The Cross is my star.
Cece Devlin McKenzie
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