A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bice family of Ireland.
Reg. 9076 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 saltier or and az. two roses gu. slipped and leaved vert in pale and as many fleurs-de-lis of the first in fesse”
DublinDublin, c. 1569
Where the Bice Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bice arms are recorded
The Bice arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1569.
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 Bice 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Bice Family in Ireland
The surname Bice has roots that stretch back into the sixteenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1569. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, serving as a primary hub for families arriving from England or establishing themselves within the local Irish social structure. The name itself is often considered a variation of names like Boyce or Byas, which were common among settlers during the Tudor era. These early Bice family members likely participated in the urban life of the city, working as merchants, craftsmen, or minor officials. By establishing a presence in such a significant port city, the family became part of the complex migration patterns that defined the history of the Pale. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings as it was recorded in parish registers and legal documents, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in early modern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beatus
Latin word meaning blessed, happy, or fortunate.
This name
BiceA diminutive form derived from the Latin term for a blessed or happy person.
also spelled
Byce
Bise
Biece
Bys
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, Fiants of the Tudor Sovereigns, 1521–1603
Royal Irish Academy, A New History of Ireland, Volume III: Early Modern Ireland 1534–1691, 1976
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
