A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bulger family of Ireland.
Reg. 5865 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 bull's head couped ar. langued gu. on a chief or, three trefoils slipped az”
IrelandOssory, c. 1627
Where the Bulger Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bulger arms are recorded
The Bulger arms were recorded in Ossory, c. 1627.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Bulger 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 Bulger Family in Ireland
The surname Bulger has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within the eastern regions surrounding Dublin. While the name is often associated with the Gaelic term *bolg*, which translates to belly or bag, it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for an ancestor with a distinct physical build. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the Dublin area, as evidenced by records confirming their presence there by 1627. During this period, the Bulgers were part of a complex social landscape where families often moved between rural lands and the growing urban center of the city. Their history reflects the broader patterns of Irish families who maintained their identity through centuries of political and social change. As the family grew, they integrated into the local economy and community life, leaving a lasting mark on the historical record of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bulgare
A person originating from the region of Bulgaria.
This name
BulgerAn occupational or descriptive surname for someone who traveled from or traded with Bulgaria.
also spelled
Bulgar
Bolger
Related arms
Butlerrecorded with Bulger, same area
O'Brenanrecorded with Bulger, same area
Wheeler-Cufferecorded with Bulger, same area
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, Calendar of the Patent Rolls of the Chancery of Ireland, Charles I, 1627
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
