Byrne family crest

 

Colors on the Byrne family crest explained

Argent (silver) - represents peacefulness and sincerity, two well known characteristics the Byrne family.

Gules (red) - represents martyrdom and the historic military strength of the Byrnes when called upon in times of war.

 

  Symbols on the Byrne family crest explained 

The three hands - represents how the Byrnes are people of hard work with an industrious mindset and attitude.

The Chevron shape - symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for Byrne family members through the years and the safety this provides.

 

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Origins of the Byrne family name

The Byrne surname is of Irish origin, and is derived from the native Gaelic O'Broin sept.

The name translates literally as "descendant of Bran," with Bran being a personal name meaning "raven."

 

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Summary of the Byrne family and the Byrne family crest

• The Byrne name is of Irish origin.

• The Byrne family is believed to have originated in County Wicklow, Ireland.

• The first recorded use of the Byrne surname (of English spelling) dates back to the 13th century, but the Irish version existed since the 11th century.

• The Byrne family were one of the four great septs of Leinster.

• The Byrne family were based in the Wicklow Mountains and held lands in County Wicklow, Kildare and County Carlow.

• The Byrne family were staunch supporters of the O'Neill clan, and fought against the English during the Nine Years War (1594-1603).

• The Byrne clan was one of the most powerful clans in Ireland during the Middle Ages.

• The Byrne clan played a significant role in the Irish Wars of Independence.

• The Byrne family were dispossessed of their lands following the defeat of the Irish rebels in 1603.

• The Byrne family were forced to move to County Tipperary, where they settled in the town of Nenagh.

• The Byrne family were active in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and fought against the English forces in the Siege of Nenagh.

• The Byrne family supported the Jacobite cause in the Williamite War in Ireland (1689-1691), and fought against the English at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

• The Byrne family were among the thousands of Irish families who were forced to emigrate.

• The Byrne family members arrived in America in the early 1600s.

• The first Byrne to come to America was Patrick Byrne, who arrived in Philadelphia.

• He was followed by his brothers John and James Byrne, who settled in New York City.

• They were some of the first settlers in the New World after arriving in the early 1600s and settled more broadly in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

• The family members were very hardworking and helped to build the new country. They were also very religious and were some of the founding members of the Catholic Church in America.