Map of Ireland showing where the Abraham arms are recorded
The Abraham arms were recorded in John Abraham, c. 1597.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Abraham arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Abraham Family in Ireland
The surname Abraham is derived from the ancient Hebrew given name meaning father of a multitude. While the name has deep roots in the Middle East, it spread across Europe through religious texts and early migration patterns. By the late sixteenth century, the name was firmly established in Ireland, with records confirming that members of the Abraham family were living in Dublin as early as 1597. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, attracting families from various backgrounds to settle within the city walls. These early residents were likely part of the growing merchant or artisan classes who helped shape the urban life of the capital. Over the following centuries, the family name became a permanent part of the Irish landscape, reflecting the long history of movement and cultural exchange that defines many surnames in the region.
Abraham Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Avraham
Hebrew for father of a multitude
This name
AbrahamExalted father of many nations
also spelled
Abram
Related arms
Abramvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls of Ireland, 1295–1307
Dublin City Library and Archive, Dublin City Council Records, 1597
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
