Map of England showing where the Digney arms are recorded
The Digney arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Digney 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Digney Family in England
The surname Digney has roots that stretch back into the early seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the city of Lincoln by 1620. During this period, Lincoln was a bustling regional center, and families like the Digneys were often part of the growing merchant or artisan classes that defined urban life in England. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, possibly reflecting the movement of people across the British Isles during a time of significant social change. As the family settled in the East Midlands, they became part of the local community, contributing to the daily economy and the social fabric of the city. By establishing themselves in Lincoln, the early Digneys participated in the long history of English migration and urban settlement that helped shape the country during the early modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ar. on a fess gu. three fleurs-de-lis or, in chief a trefoil slipped vert”
ArmaghArmagh, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Digney arms are recorded
The Digney arms were recorded in Armagh, c. 1645.
Armagh was the church capital of Ireland with good farmland around it. Church office and landholding both brought standing, and standing was marked with 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Digney 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 Armagh.
Origin & History of the Digney Family in Ireland
The surname Digney is deeply rooted in the history of County Armagh, where records confirm the family was well-established by the mid-seventeenth century. The name is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Irish name Ó Duibhne, which translates to a descendant of Duibhne. This ancient name likely originated from the Gaelic word for dark or black, suggesting it may have been a descriptive nickname for an early ancestor. By 1645, families bearing this name were living in the northern parts of Ireland during a time of great political and social upheaval. As the centuries progressed, the Digney family remained closely tied to the landscape of Armagh, navigating the complex shifts in land ownership and local governance that defined life in Ulster during that era. Their presence in the region serves as a testament to the enduring nature of Gaelic family lineages despite the many challenges they faced throughout Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O Duibhne
Derived from the Gaelic word for dark or black.
This name
DigneyA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person characterized by dark features or hair.
also spelled
Dysney
Disnay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Lincolnshire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers for the City of Lincoln, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
