Map of Ireland showing where the Franks arms are recorded
The Franks arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Franks 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Franks Family in Ireland
The history of the Franks family in Ireland is deeply connected to the social and political shifts of the seventeenth century. While the name itself originates from the Germanic tribes known as the Franks, the family established a firm presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Ireland was experiencing significant upheaval due to the Irish Confederate Wars, which forced many families to relocate or solidify their standing within urban centers like Dublin. As the family settled into the city, they became part of the growing merchant and professional classes that defined Dublin’s development during the mid-1600s. Over time, the family expanded their influence through land ownership and public service, eventually becoming well-known figures in Irish society. Their journey from early arrivals in the capital to established members of the community reflects the broader patterns of migration and integration that shaped the history of families in Ireland during the seventeenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
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)
“Ar. a bend betw. six lions ramp. sa”
MiddlesexTeddington · Middlesex, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Franks arms are recorded
The Franks arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Franks 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Franks Family in England
The surname Franks originated as a descriptive name used to identify people who came from the land of the Franks, a Germanic tribe that gave their name to modern-day France. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the name became established in England as a way to distinguish individuals of continental European heritage from the local population. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly planted roots in the county of Middlesex, which served as a central hub for trade and administration near London. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Franks family were living in this region during a time of significant social and economic change in England. These early settlers were likely involved in the growing merchant class or local agricultural life that defined the landscape of Middlesex before the rapid expansion of the city. Their presence in this area reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the local communities and parish life of the English countryside.
Franks Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Francus
A Latin term referring to a member of the Frankish tribe.
This name
FranksDerived from the Germanic tribe name, signifying a free man or a person of Frankish descent.
also spelled
Franke
Frankes
Related arms
Frankevariant spelling
Berryrecorded with Franks, same area
Devanrecorded with Franks, same area
Freignerecorded with Franks, same area
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
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
The Genealogical Office, Betham’s Genealogical Abstracts, 17th Century Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
