A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dancer family of Ireland.
cinquefoilHope and joySir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, six cinquefoils gu”
The Dancer arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Reigning in Ireland when the Dancer arms are first recorded.
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.
The surname Dancer is primarily an occupational name that originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was used to describe someone who performed as a professional dancer or a minstrel at public festivals and noble courts. By the middle of the seventeenth century, members of the family had established a significant presence in Ireland. Historical records confirm that the Dancer family was settled in Dublin by 1645, a time when many English families were moving to Ireland to manage land and participate in the administrative life of the city. Over time, these early settlers integrated into the local community and became prominent figures in Irish society. Their move to Dublin marked the beginning of a long family lineage that eventually spread across various parts of the country.
Old French term for one who performs rhythmic movements to music.
