A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bodkin family of Ireland.
Reg. 5276 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. a saltier gu. on the nombril a leopard's face or”
GalwayGalway, c. 1645
Where the Bodkin Arms Were Recorded
Galway
Map of Ireland showing where the Bodkin arms are recorded
The Bodkin arms were recorded in Galway, c. 1645.
Galway was western Irish country of poor land and a rich port. A small group of merchant families ran the town for centuries and held estates around it, and both kinds of property 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Bodkin 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 Galway.
Origin & History of the Bodkin Family in Ireland
The Bodkin family is one of the most prominent historical clans associated with the city of Galway. They are recognized as one of the fourteen families known as the Tribes of Galway, a group of merchant families who dominated the political and economic life of the city for centuries. While the family name is often associated with English origins, the Bodkins became deeply integrated into Irish society after settling in the region during the medieval period. By 1645, the family was well established as a powerful force in Galway, holding significant influence over local trade and municipal governance. Their presence during this time coincided with a period of great upheaval in Ireland, yet the family managed to maintain their status as leaders within the urban community. Through their extensive commercial networks and involvement in city administration, the Bodkins played a vital role in shaping the development of Galway as a major port and cultural center.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baudouin
A Germanic name meaning bold or brave friend.
This name
BodkinA diminutive form of the name Baldwin, historically associated with a small dagger or knife.
also spelled
Bodkyn
Bodkyne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hardiman, James, The History of the Town and County of the Town of Galway, 1820
O'Sullivan, M.D., Old Galway: The History of a Norman Irish Town, 1942
National Archives of Ireland, The Civil Survey, A.D. 1654–1656, County of Galway
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
