Map of England showing where the Faley arms are recorded
The Faley arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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 Faley 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 England.
Origin & History of the Faley Family in England
The history of the Faley family in England is rooted in the social and economic landscape of the seventeenth century, particularly within the historic city of York. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established residents in this northern hub, a time when York served as a vital center for trade, religion, and regional administration. During this era, families often settled in specific parishes where they contributed to the local community through craft, commerce, or agriculture. The presence of the Faley name in York suggests that these early ancestors were likely part of the growing urban population that navigated the significant political and religious shifts occurring across England during the Stuart period. As they lived and worked in the shadow of York Minster, the family became part of the long-standing tradition of northern English life, leaving behind a legacy tied to the development of one of the country’s most historically significant cities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
Colours
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three pheons points downwards ar. a border of the last, charged with eight roses of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1793
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Faley arms are recorded
The Faley arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1793.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Faley 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 Faley Family in Ireland
The surname Faley is primarily rooted in the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, where it evolved as an Anglicized version of the name Ó Fathaigh. This name originates from the Irish word fothach, which translates to someone who is wise or prudent. By the late 18th century, families bearing this name were well-established in urban centers like Dublin. Records from 1793 confirm their presence in the city, suggesting that these individuals were part of the growing professional and merchant classes during a period of significant social change in Ireland. As the family moved through the 18th and 19th centuries, they became integrated into the fabric of city life, contributing to the local economy and the evolving cultural landscape of the capital. While the name remains tied to its ancient linguistic roots, its history in Dublin highlights the transition of many Irish families from rural origins into the bustling heart of Ireland’s administrative and commercial center.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Faelchu
An Old Irish compound meaning wolf-hound or wolf of the sea.
This name
FaleyDerived from an Irish Gaelic personal name signifying a fierce or predatory nature.
also spelled
Foly
Folie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
City of York Archives, York House Books
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
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
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
