A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coffy family of Ireland.
Reg. 7269 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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 fess erm. betw. three coons or Irish cups or”
Irelandc. 1684
Where the Coffy Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Coffy arms are recorded
The Coffy 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 Coffy 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 Coffy Family in Ireland
The surname Coffy is a variant of the more common Irish name Coffey, which originates from the Gaelic name Ó Cobhthaigh. This name translates to descendant of the victorious one. By the late seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Dublin, as evidenced by records from 1684. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the Coffys were often involved in the city's growing merchant and professional classes. The name reflects a deep connection to the Gaelic heritage of Ireland, even as families adapted to the changing social and political landscape of the capital city during the seventeenth century. Over time, the spelling of the name shifted as it was recorded in English documents, leading to the distinct version found in these early Dublin records.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cathmhaol
Derived from the Gaelic words for battle and chief or chieftain.
This name
CoffyA surname signifying a descendant of the battle-chief or warrior leader.
also spelled
Coffey
Coffie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Calendar of the 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.
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
