Map of Ireland showing where the Coffey arms are recorded
The Coffey arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1684.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Coffey 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 Coffey Family in Ireland
The family name Coffey originates from the Gaelic name Ó Cobhthaigh, which translates to a descendant of the victorious or the watchful. While the name has ancient roots in various parts of Ireland, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin by 1684. During this period, the city was a growing center of trade and administration, and families like the Coffeys were often involved in the urban life of the capital. As the name spread from its rural origins, it became a fixture within the city’s social and economic landscape. By settling in Dublin, these early family members helped transition the name from its traditional Gaelic beginnings into the modern era of Irish history.
Coffey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ó Cobhthaigh
Descendant of the victorious or triumphant one
This name
CoffeyDerived from an ancient Gaelic term signifying a person who is victorious or accomplished.
also spelled
Coffey
Coffie
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: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Dublin City Census and Hearth Money Rolls, 1664–1684
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
