A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coey family of Ireland.
Reg. 1299 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. per pale in the dexter half an oak tree eradicated ppr.; in the sinister, a fish naiant on waves of the sea also ppr., a chief az. charged with a greyhound courant of the first”
IrelandBelfast, c. 1861
Where the Coey Arms Were Recorded
Belfast
Map of Ireland showing where the Coey arms are recorded
The Coey arms were recorded in Belfast, c. 1861.
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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Ireland when the Coey 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 Coey Family in Ireland
The surname Coey is primarily associated with the history of County Antrim and the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. While the name is relatively rare, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the Belfast area by the mid-19th century. During the 1861 census period, the Coey family was active in the industrial growth of the city, which was rapidly expanding as a global center for linen production and shipbuilding. The name likely originated as a variation of older Gaelic or Scottish surnames, reflecting the complex migration patterns between the north of Ireland and the lowlands of Scotland. As Belfast grew into a major urban hub, members of the Coey family contributed to the local economy and social life, helping to shape the identity of the region during a time of significant transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mac Giolla Chomhghaill
Son of the devotee of Saint Comhghall.
This name
CoeyAn Anglicized form derived from the Irish Gaelic patronymic meaning servant of Saint Comhghall.
also spelled
Coie
Related arms
Johnsonrecorded with Coey, same area
M'Gregor-Skinner, now M'Gregorrecorded with Coey, same area
Talbotrecorded with Coey, same area
Thackerrecorded with Coey, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Census Records and Valuation Revision Books
Belfast City Council, Belfast City Burial Records
General Register Office for Northern Ireland, Civil Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
riverThe bounds of a land, and life carried through it
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
