A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Charley family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4743 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a chev. gu. betw. three corn blue bottles slipped ppr. a mullet or”
AntrimAntrim, c. 1645
Where the Charley Arms Were Recorded
Antrim
Map of Ireland showing where the Charley arms are recorded
The Charley arms were recorded in Antrim, c. 1645.
Antrim was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took formal grants and had them recorded, so their arms are unusually well documented.
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 Charley 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 Antrim.
Origin & History of the Charley Family in Ireland
The family name Charley has deep roots in the northern landscape of Ireland, with historical evidence placing members of the family in County Antrim as early as 1645. During this period, the region was undergoing significant social and demographic changes due to the movement of settlers and the shifting political climate of the seventeenth century. The name itself is likely a variation of the personal name Charles, which became popular across Europe and eventually took hold in Ireland through linguistic adaptation. By settling in Antrim, the early Charley family became part of a vibrant community that navigated the challenges of a changing agricultural and industrial landscape. Over time, these early ancestors established a presence that persisted through generations, helping to shape the local identity of the region. Their ability to remain in the area suggests they were well integrated into the social and economic life of the county during a time of great transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
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 bend betw. three hawks' lures or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Charley Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Charley arms are recorded
The Charley arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Charley 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 England.
Origin & History of the Charley Family in England
The family name Charley is deeply rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England, evolving from the Old English given name Ceolheard, which translates to a bold or brave ship-guardian. By the time the name appeared in the historical records of York in 1620, it had transitioned from a personal identifier into a stable hereditary surname. During the early seventeenth century, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, placing the Charley family within a bustling environment of merchants and craftsmen. Families living in this region at the time often saw their names shift in spelling based on local dialects and the phonetic habits of parish clerks. As the family established their presence in the city, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, contributing to the local workforce and the evolving community life of the Yorkshire area during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cathal
Derived from the Gaelic elements for battle and rule.
This name
CharleyA diminutive form of Charles, signifying a free man or warrior.
also spelled
Charly
Charlee
Charleigh
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Hearth Money Rolls for County Antrim, 1669
Young, Robert M., Historical Notices of Old Belfast and its Vicinity, 1896
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
