A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Daviss family of Ireland.
Reg. 1583 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
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Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. a chev. erm. betw. three cinquefoils of the same”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Daviss Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Daviss arms are recorded
The Daviss 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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Daviss 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 Daviss Family in Ireland
The surname Daviss is a variation of the name Davis, which finds its roots in the Welsh patronymic tradition meaning son of David. By the mid-seventeenth century, the name had become well-established among families living in Dublin. Records confirm that members of the Daviss family were active residents of the city by 1645, a period defined by significant social and political upheaval in Ireland. During this era, families with this name often integrated into the urban merchant and professional classes that supported the growing administrative functions of Dublin. As the city expanded, these early settlers helped shape the local community, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the movement of people across the Irish Sea during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
David
Derived from the Hebrew name Dawid meaning beloved or friend.
This name
DavissA patronymic surname meaning son of David, indicating descent from a person bearing that name.
also spelled
Davies
Davys
Davie
Davy
Davye
Related arms
Davievariant spelling
Daviesvariant spelling
Davyvariant spelling
Davyevariant spelling
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
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
