Map of Ireland showing where the Cower arms are recorded
The Cower arms were recorded in Clare, c. 1645.
Clare was rocky western Irish country, poor in farmland but held tightly by a few old families. Land there changed hands rarely, and families who stayed put ended up in the 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 Ireland when the Cower 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 Clare.
Origin & History of the Cower Family in Ireland
The history of the Cower family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the landscape of County Clare, where members of the family were documented as early as 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant political and social upheaval, which often forced families to settle in specific regions to secure land and stability. The name likely emerged as an anglicized version of a local Gaelic surname, reflecting the way many families adapted their identities to fit into the changing administrative systems of the seventeenth century. By establishing themselves in Clare, the Cower family became part of the local social fabric during a time when land ownership and community ties were being redefined by shifting colonial policies. Their presence in the region suggests they were active participants in the agricultural and social life of the west of Ireland, navigating the challenges of a country transitioning through intense historical change.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a chev. or, betw. three cocks ar”
CarmarthenLlanherne · Carmarthen, c. 1586
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 Wales showing where the Cower arms are recorded
The Cower arms were recorded in Carmarthen, c. 1586.
Carmarthenshire was south-west Welsh country of river valleys and hill farms. Land was held in a great many small estates, and each one brought its own claim to a coat of arms.
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 Wales in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Cower arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Carmarthen.
Origin & History of the Cower Family in Wales
The family name Cower has deep roots in the historic county of Carmarthenshire, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1586. During this period, Wales was undergoing significant social changes following the Laws in Wales Acts, which encouraged the adoption of fixed surnames among the local population. The name likely emerged as a descriptive occupational or locational identifier within the Welsh landscape, reflecting the way families were identified in rural communities. As the family settled in Carmarthen, they became part of a vibrant market town that served as a center for trade and administration in West Wales. By living in such a prominent location, the early Cower family members were positioned to participate in the growing legal and economic networks of the sixteenth century, helping to anchor their name in the regional history of the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Comhraidhe
An Irish Gaelic term referring to a meeting or a conversation.
This name
CowerA topographical or occupational surname likely denoting someone who lived near a meeting place or a negotiator.
also spelled
Croe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Civil Survey of the County of Clare, 1654–1656
National Archives of Ireland, Books of Survey and Distribution
O’Brien, John, The History of the Kingdom of Thomond, 1782
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
