Map of England showing where the Danehy arms are recorded
The Danehy arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Danehy arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Danehy Family in England
The family name Danehy is rooted in the Gaelic traditions of Ireland, where it likely evolved from the name O’Duane or O’Daine. Historically, this name was associated with the southern regions of the country, particularly County Cork. By the early 17th century, members of the family had begun to migrate across the Irish Sea to England. Records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established in the city of Chester by 1620. At that time, Chester served as a vital port for travelers moving between Ireland and England. The family likely settled there to participate in the growing trade networks or to seek new opportunities in a rapidly changing political landscape. Over the following decades, these early settlers helped integrate the family name into the broader fabric of English society while maintaining their distinct ancestral identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Donnchadh
Derived from the Gaelic words for brown and warrior or chief.
This name
DanehyAn anglicized form of an Irish patronymic surname meaning descendant of the brown-haired warrior.
also spelled
Dawnay
Dawnie
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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
