Origin

The surname Mahon is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Mathghamhna, meaning "descendant of Mathghamhain". Mathghamhain itself is a name meaning "bear". The family has historical roots, particularly in Connacht (Counties Galway and Roscommon) and County Clare. Different branches of the Mahon family might have variations in their arms, but this representation with the three red lions passant guardant is a well-attested version associated with prominent Mahon lines.

This particular emblazonment (artistic representation) presents a classic and powerful image associated with the Mahon name, emphasizing themes of strength, vigilance, and the defence of important values.

The Shield (Escutcheon)

This is the central element where the main family insignia is displayed.

• Field: The background of the shield is silver or white. In heraldry, this is called Argent. It typically symbolizes peace, sincerity, and innocence.
• Charges: The symbols displayed on the shield are three red lions.
• Colour: The lions are red, known as Gules in heraldry. Gules represents warrior strength, magnanimity, military fortitude, and martyrdom.
• Posture (Attitude): The lions are passant guardant. 'Passant' means they are depicted walking, usually with the right forepaw raised. 'Guardant' means their heads are turned to face the viewer. A lion passant symbolizes resolution, determination, and movement, while the guardant aspect signifies prudence and vigilance.
• Arrangement: The three lions are arranged vertically, one above the other. This arrangement is described as 'in pale'.

Overall Shield Blazon: The technical description (blazon) for this shield would be: Argent, three lions passant guardant in pale Gules. (A silver/white shield bearing three red lions walking and looking out, arranged vertically). The use of three lions passant guardant is famously associated with the Royal Arms of England, but it's also used by other families and entities. For the Mahon family, it likely signifies courage, strength, vigilance, and nobility.

The Helmet (Helm)

Positioned above the shield.

• Type: The helmet depicted is a closed-visor helmet, typically associated with knights or esquires (gentlemen). Its orientation (facing the viewer's left, known as dexter) is standard.
• Significance: Traditionally, the style of the helmet could indicate the rank of the armiger (the person entitled to bear the arms), although in many modern depictions, a standard gentleman's or esquire's helmet is used regardless of specific rank.

The Mantling (Lambrequin)

This is the decorative drapery flowing down from the helmet, surrounding the shield.

• Colours: The mantling here is red (Gules) on the outer side and white/silver (Argent) on the inner lining.
• Origin & Symbolism: It represents the cloth cover worn by knights over their helmets to protect them from the sun and elements. It's typically shown tattered or slashed, implying the wearer's participation in battle or tournaments. The colours of the mantling almost always match the principal colour and metal of the shield (in this case, Gules and Argent).

The Crest

The element placed on top of the helmet.

• Description: This crest is an arm in armour embowed, holding a dagger (or short sword/poignard) point upwards. 'Embowed' means bent at the elbow. The arm is clad in armour, and the hand is gauntleted (wearing a metal glove).
• Symbolism: An armoured arm signifies readiness for battle, strength, and defence. Holding a weapon like a dagger reinforces this, suggesting preparedness, military prowess, justice, or swift action.

The Motto Scroll (Above)

• Text: "Sic nos sic sacra tuemur"
• Language: Latin
• Translation: This translates to "Thus we defend sacred things" or "In this way, we protect that which is sacred". "Sic" means 'thus' or 'so', "nos" means 'we', "sacra" means 'sacred things' or 'holy rites', and "tuemur" means 'we defend' or 'we protect'.
• Placement: In Scottish heraldry, the motto is traditionally placed above the crest. While Mahon is an Irish name, this placement isn't exclusive to Scotland and can be found in other traditions as well, or simply be an artistic choice in this rendition.
• Significance: The motto acts as a statement of the family's values or guiding principles – in this case, a commitment to defending important beliefs, traditions, faith, or perhaps even sovereignty or honour.

The Name Scroll (Below)

• Text: "Mahon"
• Purpose: Clearly identifies the surname associated with this particular representation of the coat of arms.

Summary of Symbolism

Taken together, the Mahon coat of arms conveys a strong message:

• Courage and Strength: Primarily through the red lions (Gules) and their posture.
• Vigilance and Prudence: Indicated by the lions being guardant.
• Peace and Sincerity: Represented by the silver/white field (Argent).
• Military Readiness and Defence: Shown by the armoured arm crest holding a weapon, and reinforced by the red colour.
• Defence of Principles: Explicitly stated in the motto "Sic nos sic sacra tuemur".