A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cahill family of Ireland.
Reg. 5151 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
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. on waves of the sea in base a whale naiant ppr. in chief a trefoil slipped or”
KilkennyKilkenny, c. 1645
Where the Cahill Arms Were Recorded
Kilkenny
Map of Ireland showing where the Cahill arms are recorded
The Cahill arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic 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 Cahill 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 Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Cahill Family in Ireland
The surname Cahill is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Cathail, which translates to descendant of Cathal. The name Cathal itself is derived from the old Irish words for battle and rule, suggesting that early ancestors were often viewed as powerful warriors or leaders. By the year 1645, the family had established a strong presence in County Kilkenny, where they were deeply integrated into the local social and political landscape. During this period, families like the Cahills often held land and played significant roles in the management of rural estates. As the seventeenth century progressed, the family navigated the many political shifts occurring in Ireland, maintaining their regional ties while adapting to the changing laws of the time. Their long history in Kilkenny reflects a deep connection to the land and a tradition of resilience that defined many Irish families throughout the Middle Ages and into the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cathal
Derived from the elements for battle and rule.
This name
CahillA descendant of the battle-mighty one, signifying strength and leadership in conflict.
also spelled
O'Cahill
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
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall, 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Kilkenny, 1654
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
