A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Batt family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2483 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a cross sa. charged with three escallops in pale or, betw. four bats of second”
DownPurdysburn · Down, c. 1645
Where the Batt Arms Were Recorded
Down
Map of Ireland showing where the Batt arms are recorded
The Batt arms were recorded in Down, c. 1645.
Down was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took grants and had them recorded, which is why so many Down families carry documented shields.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Batt 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 Down.
Origin & History of the Batt Family in Ireland
The Batt family name in Ireland is most strongly associated with County Down, where records confirm their presence by the middle of the seventeenth century. While the name likely arrived in Ireland from England during the period of plantation and settlement, the family quickly established themselves as significant figures in the local economy and society of the north. By the late 1600s, members of the family were deeply involved in the development of Belfast and the surrounding areas, particularly through trade and land ownership. They were known for their roles as merchants and landowners who helped shape the commercial growth of the region during a time of great political change. Over the generations, the family became a fixture in the administrative life of County Down, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the province through their civic contributions and business ventures.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. a chev. betw. three dexter hands couped ar”
EnglandLondon, c. 1240
Where the Batt Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Batt arms are recorded
The Batt arms were recorded in London, c. 1240.
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 England in this period.
Henry III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in Ireland when the Batt arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Batt Family in England
The surname Batt emerged in England during the Middle Ages as a descriptive name rooted in the Old English or Old French languages. By the year 1240, historical records confirm that members of the Batt family were already established in London, participating in the bustling urban life of the capital. During this period, surnames were often adopted to distinguish individuals by their trade, physical traits, or place of origin. The name likely functioned as a nickname or a shortened form of names like Bartholomew, which was a very popular choice in medieval England. As the family grew, they moved beyond London and settled in various rural and urban communities across the country. These early ancestors lived through a time of significant social change, helping to shape the foundations of the English surname system that we still use today.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bartholomaeus
Aramaic for son of Talmai meaning abounding in furrows
This name
BattA medieval diminutive form of Bartholomew used as a personal name and later a surname
also spelled
Battee
Related arms
Bat, or Battsame arms
Batesimilar arms
Baett, or Battvariant spelling
Coddrecorded with Batt, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Benn, George. A History of the Town of Belfast. 1877
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Batt Family Papers (D/1785)
Young, Robert M. Historical Notices of Old Belfast and its Vicinity. 1896
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
