Map of England showing where the Foley arms are recorded
The Foley 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 Foley 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 Foley Family in England
The surname Foley is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Foghladha, which translates to descendant of the plunderer or pirate. While the name originated in Ireland, members of the family began moving across the Irish Sea to England during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that individuals carrying the Foley name were established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England, making it a common destination for families seeking new economic opportunities. These early settlers often integrated into the local merchant and artisan classes, helping the family name transition from its Irish roots into a permanent fixture of English society. As the century progressed, members of the family continued to move throughout the country, eventually establishing deep ties in regions like the West Midlands, where they became well known for their contributions to the iron industry.
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
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Map of Ireland showing where the Foley arms are recorded
The Foley 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 Foley 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 Foley Family in Ireland
The surname Foley finds its roots in the Gaelic language, originating from the Irish name Ó Foghladha, which translates to descendant of the plunderer or pirate. While the name is most famously associated with the southern counties of Munster, records confirm that the family had established a notable presence in Dublin by 1793. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political activity, drawing families from across the countryside to participate in the city's growing economy. As the Foleys settled into urban life, they transitioned from their rural origins to become part of the diverse social fabric of the capital. This migration reflects the broader movement of Irish families during the late eighteenth century as they sought new opportunities in the expanding city. By the time the family appeared in official Dublin records, they were already part of a long tradition of Irish families adapting to changing environments while maintaining their distinct ancestral identity.
Foley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
fola
Old Irish word meaning a plunderer or marauder.
This name
FoleyDerived from an Irish nickname for a pirate or a marauding adventurer.
also spelled
Foly
Folie
Related arms
Follyevariant spelling
Goldingrecorded with Foley, same area
Hodgettsrecorded with Foley, same area
Ingramrecorded with Foley, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
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
