A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bermingham family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0924 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per pale indented or and gu. in dexter chief point a trefoil slipped sa. all within a bordure of the last”
Irelandc. 1619
Where the Bermingham Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bermingham arms are recorded
The Bermingham arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1619.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Bermingham 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 Bermingham Family in Ireland
The Bermingham family name arrived in Ireland during the late twelfth century as part of the Norman expansion into the country. Originally hailing from the town of Birmingham in England, these settlers quickly established themselves as powerful landowners and political figures. By the early seventeenth century, the family had become deeply integrated into the social fabric of Dublin. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the family were active residents of the city during this period, participating in the urban life of the capital. Over the centuries, the family transitioned from their roles as frontier soldiers to influential members of the Irish administration and merchant classes. Their presence in Dublin reflects the broader movement of Anglo-Norman families who settled in Ireland and eventually shaped the development of the city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per pale indented ar. and sa”
Englandc. 1326
Where the Bermingham Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bermingham arms are recorded
The Bermingham arms were recorded in England, c. 1326.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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.
Edward II of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward II of England
1307–1327
Reigning in Ireland when the Bermingham 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 Bermingham Family in England
The history of the Bermingham name in England is deeply connected to the movement of families across the British Isles during the Middle Ages. While the name is often associated with the town of Birmingham in the West Midlands, historical records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in the northern city of York by 1326. During this period, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration, often attracting ambitious families who sought to participate in the growing urban economy. The presence of the Bermingham name in such a prominent northern center suggests that these early individuals were likely involved in the merchant class or local governance. As they settled into these new environments, they integrated into the social fabric of the city, helping to define the family identity far from their traditional roots. This migration pattern illustrates how surnames often traveled alongside the people who carried them, adapting to new regions while maintaining their distinct ancestral link.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brimingham
A settlement or homestead belonging to the people of Beorma.
This name
BerminghamAn Anglo-Norman locational surname derived from the town of Birmingham in England.
also spelled
Bermyngham
Related arms
Berminchamvariant spelling
Bermynghamvariant spelling
Birminghamvariant spelling
Butlerrecorded with Bermingham, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Curtis, Edmund. A History of Medieval Ireland. 1923
Lydon, James. The Lordship of Ireland in the Middle Ages. 1972
National Archives of Ireland. Plea Rolls of the Chancery of Ireland. 1200–1600
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
