Map of Ireland showing where the Burnam arms are recorded
The Burnam arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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 Burnam 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 Burnam Family in Ireland
The history of the Burnam name in Ireland is deeply connected to the social shifts occurring in Dublin during the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in the city by 1645, a period defined by significant political instability and the aftermath of the Irish Confederate Wars. During this time, Dublin served as a primary hub for settlers and merchants who were navigating the complex transition of power between local authorities and the English Parliament. Families like the Burnams often integrated into the urban fabric of the capital by engaging in trade or professional services, which allowed them to maintain a stable presence despite the surrounding military conflicts. As the city grew into a center of commerce, the Burnam name became part of the diverse population that helped shape the administrative and economic life of Dublin throughout the late 1600s.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Or, a maunch vert”
LincolnshireLincolnshire, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Burnam arms are recorded
The Burnam arms were recorded in Lincolnshire, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Burnam 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 Lincolnshire.
Origin & History of the Burnam Family in England
The surname Burnam is a locational name that originated in England, typically referring to people who lived near a stream or a brook. The name is derived from the Old English words "burna," meaning a stream, and "ham," meaning a homestead or village. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Lincolnshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Burnam family were living in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. As residents of a rural county, these early ancestors were likely involved in agricultural life or local trade. The name evolved through various spellings over the centuries as it was recorded in parish registers and legal documents, reflecting the way names were written down based on how they sounded to local clerks. This connection to the landscape of Lincolnshire highlights the family's long-standing roots in the English countryside.
Burnam Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Brun
Old Germanic term referring to the color brown or dark.
This name
BurnamDerived from a location meaning brown homestead or a settlement situated near a brown stream.
also spelled
Burnham
Related arms
Burnhamvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Gilbert, John T., A History of the City of Dublin, 1854
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Royal Irish Academy, The Census of Ireland, circa 1659, 1939
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
