A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Devenish family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1886 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
duckResourcefulness on land and water
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per fess wavy ar. and sa. three sheldrakes counterchanged collared or”
DublinDublin, c. 1583
Where the Devenish Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Devenish arms are recorded
The Devenish arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1583.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Devenish 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Devenish Family in Ireland
The Devenish family name has deep roots in Irish history, with clear evidence of the family establishing a significant presence in Dublin by 1583. During this period, the name was associated with members of the merchant class and local administration who played active roles in the city's growing economy. As the family became more settled in the region, they often held positions of civic responsibility, helping to manage the affairs of the capital during a time of great political change. While the name likely originated from earlier migrations, its firm establishment in Dublin allowed the family to integrate into the professional and social life of the city for generations. By documenting their activities in legal and municipal records, these early family members left behind a clear trail that shows how they helped shape the urban landscape of sixteenth-century Ireland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert a saltire engr. or, betw. four crosses crosslet fitchée ar”
DorsetDorset, c. 1620
Where the Devenish Arms Were Recorded
Dorset
Map of England showing where the Devenish arms are recorded
The Devenish arms were recorded in Dorset, c. 1620.
Dorset was quiet farming and grazing country along the south coast. Its gentry were middling rather than grand, but they held their manors for a very long time, and long holding is what puts a name 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Devenish 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 Dorset.
Origin & History of the Devenish Family in England
The name Devenish is a topographical surname that likely originated to describe someone who hailed from the county of Devon. While the name is deeply connected to the southwestern region of England, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the county of Dorset by the early 17th century. By 1620, the Devenish family was part of the local social fabric in Dorset, living during a time of significant transition as England prepared for overseas exploration and colonial expansion. Families with this name were often involved in local land management and trade, which allowed them to maintain a stable presence in the English countryside for generations. Their movement from the Devon area into neighboring Dorset reflects the common pattern of internal migration during the late medieval and early modern periods as families sought new opportunities in nearby shires.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Devinish
Derived from the Old French word for a person from Devon.
This name
DevenishRefers to an individual who originated from the county of Devon in England.
also spelled
Devenyshe
Devenys
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ball, F. Elrington, A History of the County Dublin, 1902
Gilbert, John T., Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin, 1889
The National Archives of Ireland, Fiants of the Tudor Sovereigns
Dublin City Archives, Dublin City Assembly Rolls
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
duckResourcefulness on land and water
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
duckResourcefulness on land and water
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
