Map of Ireland showing where the Closs arms are recorded
The Closs 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 Closs 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 Closs Family in Ireland
The history of the Closs family in Ireland is deeply connected to the city of Dublin, where records confirm their presence as early as 1645. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. The name likely arrived in Ireland through migration from Britain or continental Europe, as it does not share the traditional linguistic roots of native Gaelic surnames. By settling in the capital, the early members of the family were positioned at the heart of Irish civic life during a period of significant social transition. These early settlers likely worked as merchants or skilled tradespeople, helping to build the urban economy of the city. Their presence in the 1645 records suggests that the family was well-established enough to be documented in official registers, marking them as part of the diverse population that defined Dublin during that era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert a chev. ar. betw. two bezants, each charged in chief with a cross pattée gu. and in base a garb or, quartering gu. a rye sheaf or, pierced in pale by a lance ar. betw. two fleurs-de-lis of the second in fesse, for RYLANCE, of Wigan”
EnglandLeeds, 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 Closs arms are recorded
The Closs arms were recorded in Leeds, 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 Closs 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 Closs Family in England
The surname Closs has deep roots in the industrial landscape of Northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of Leeds as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, Leeds was rapidly transforming into a major hub for the textile trade, specifically the production of woolen cloth. Families like the Closses were often part of this burgeoning middle class, working as skilled tradespeople or merchants who helped build the city’s reputation for high-quality manufacturing. The name likely evolved from local dialects or occupational descriptions common to the West Riding of Yorkshire at the time. By settling in such a busy urban center, the early members of the family were positioned at the heart of England’s economic shift toward industrialization. This environment allowed the family to establish a lasting presence in the region as they contributed to the growth of one of the most important commercial centers in the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Claus
A shortened form of the Greek name Nikolaos meaning victory of people.
This name
ClossAn Irish variant derived from the personal name Nicholas, signifying a victorious leader.
also spelled
Klose
Kloz
Cloos
Closs
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, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Dublin City Library and Archive, The Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin, 1889
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
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
