A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brinkley family of Ireland.
Reg. 4015 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a cross potent engr. in chief three estoiles or, and above a cross potent engr. an estoile all or”
SligoFortland · Sligo, c. 1645
Where the Brinkley Arms Were Recorded
Sligo
Map of Ireland showing where the Brinkley arms are recorded
The Brinkley arms were recorded in Sligo, c. 1645.
Sligo was north-western Irish country with a harbour and poor land behind it. Its families were few and held their ground for a very long time, which is what put them in the records.
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 Brinkley 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 Sligo.
Origin & History of the Brinkley Family in Ireland
The surname Brinkley is of English origin, derived from a combination of Old English words meaning a clearing or meadow near a riverbank. While the name first appeared in English records during the medieval period, members of the family established a notable presence in County Sligo, Ireland, by 1645. During the seventeenth century, families often moved across the Irish Sea due to shifting political landscapes and land settlement policies. The Brinkleys who settled in Sligo integrated into the local community during a time of significant social change in western Ireland. Their presence in the region suggests they were part of the broader movement of settlers who sought new opportunities in the Irish provinces. Over time, the family became a recognized part of the local history in Sligo, maintaining their identity while adapting to the unique cultural environment of the west of Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brinc
Old English term referring to a steep edge or river bank.
This name
BrinkleyA topographical name for someone who lived near a steep slope or river bank.
also spelled
Brinkleigh
Brinklie
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. Cromwellian Surveys and Land Grants. 1641–1670
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. 1991
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
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
cross symbolChristian faith and service
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
