Map of France showing where the Comerford arms are recorded
The Comerford arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Comerford arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Comerford Family in France
The roots of the Comerford family in France are tied to the movement of people across the English Channel during the early eighteenth century. By 1725, records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Bretagne. This area was a common destination for families seeking new opportunities or fleeing political instability in the British Isles. The family likely integrated into the local society by adapting to the French language and legal systems of the time. While the name itself has older origins, its presence in Bretagne marks a significant chapter where the family transitioned into a new cultural environment. This period of settlement helped the family establish a foothold in France that would influence their activities for generations to come.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. a talbot pass. ar.; 2nd and 3rd, az. a bugle horn ar. stringed gu. betw. three mullets or”
KilkennyDangenmore · Kilkenny, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Comerford arms are recorded
The Comerford arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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 France when the Comerford 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 Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Comerford Family in Ireland
The Comerford family name has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within the county of Kilkenny. While the name is of Norman origin, the family became firmly established in Irish society by the middle of the seventeenth century. By 1645, the Comerfords were recognized as a prominent landed family in Kilkenny, holding significant estates and playing an active role in the local political and social landscape. They were deeply integrated into the cultural life of the region, often serving in civic positions and maintaining strong connections to the local community. Their history reflects the broader transition of Norman families who settled in Ireland and eventually became part of the traditional Irish social structure. Through their long residence in the Barrow and Nore river valleys, the family left a lasting mark on the history of the area.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a bugle horn ar. stringed gu. betw. three mullets or”
WexfordNew Ross · Wexford, c. 1748
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 Scotland showing where the Comerford arms are recorded
The Comerford arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1748.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in France when the Comerford arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Wexford.
Origin & History of the Comerford Family in Scotland
The Comerford family name is primarily associated with Irish history, but its roots are tied to the movement of people across the British Isles during the medieval period. While the family established a strong presence in County Wexford by 1748, the name itself is believed to have originated from a place name in England before spreading into Scotland and Ireland. During the Middle Ages, many families migrated north into Scotland for trade or military service, often adopting local variations of their surnames as they settled in new regions. These early ancestors likely moved through these territories as part of the shifting political landscape of the time. By the time the family became well-documented in Wexford, they were part of a long tradition of families who navigated the complex social and geographic changes of the British Isles over several centuries.
Comerford Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cumberford
A ford located near a valley or a confluence of streams.
This name
ComerfordDerived from a place name in England, referring to a river crossing near a hollow.
also spelled
Commerford
Cummerford
Comerfort
Komerford
Related arms
Bennettrecorded with Comerford, same area
Dormerrecorded with Comerford, same area
Longerecorded with Comerford, same area
Rotherecorded with Comerford, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E: Familles, seigneuries et terres
O'Connor, Patrick, The Comerfords of Brittany, 1998
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cross symbolChristian faith and service
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
