A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Esmonde family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8964 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'herm. au chef de gu., ch. de trois molettes d'arg. Cq. timbré d'une couronne murale d'or. C.: une tête d'homme de profil, coiffée d'un bassinet, le tout au nat. S.: deux griffons de gu., bq., arm., coll. et enchainés d'or. D.: MALO MORI QUAM FOEDARI.”
Britainc. 1622
Where the Esmonde Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Esmonde arms are recorded
The Esmonde arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1622.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Esmonde arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Esmonde Family in Britain
The family name Esmonde has roots that stretch back into the early seventeenth century in the county of Kent. While the name is often associated with later influence in Ireland, its foundational presence in England highlights a period of significant social movement and record-keeping. By 1622, members of the family were established within the Kentish landscape, participating in the local life of a region known for its agricultural wealth and proximity to the political center of London. During this era, families with the name Esmonde were part of the broader shifting demographics of southern England, where they navigated the legal and social structures of the time. Their early history in Kent serves as a starting point for understanding how the name became rooted in British society before members of the lineage eventually expanded their reach across the Irish Sea.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. on a chief gu. three mullets ar”
WexfordJohnstown · Wexford, c. 1618
Where the Esmonde Arms Were Recorded
Wexford
Map of Ireland showing where the Esmonde arms are recorded
The Esmonde arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1618.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Esmonde 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Esmonde Family in Ireland
The Esmonde family established a significant presence in County Wexford during the early seventeenth century, becoming deeply integrated into the political and social landscape of the region. Originally of Norman descent, the family moved to Ireland and eventually secured large landholdings that allowed them to exert considerable influence over local affairs. By 1618, they were firmly rooted in the area, with members of the family serving in various administrative and military roles that helped shape the development of the county. Their rise to prominence was marked by their participation in the complex power dynamics of the time, as they navigated the shifting loyalties and legal challenges common to the Anglo-Irish gentry. Over the following decades, the Esmondes became synonymous with the history of Wexford, leaving a lasting impact on the local community through their extensive estates and their involvement in the turbulent events of the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eastmund
Derived from Old English elements meaning grace or protection and guardian.
This name
EsmondeA locational or patronymic surname signifying a protector from the eastern lands.
also spelled
Esmounde
Related arms
Groganrecorded with Esmonde, same area
Reynoldsrecorded with Esmonde, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, 1797
The National Archives, Kew. State Papers Domestic, James I, SP 14
Kent History and Library Centre. Records of the Archdeaconry of Canterbury, PRC 32
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
