A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gaff family of Ireland.
Reg. 4537 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. three cinquefoils vert”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Gaff Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Gaff arms are recorded
The Gaff 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 Gaff 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 Gaff Family in Ireland
The family name Gaff has deep roots in the city of Dublin, where records confirm that members of the family were living as early as 1645. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, and those bearing the name were likely part of the growing urban population navigating the complexities of life in the capital. The name itself is thought to have evolved from older Gaelic or Norse influences common in the region, reflecting the diverse cultural history of the Irish coast. As the family established themselves in the city, they became part of the local fabric, contributing to the social and economic development of Dublin during a period of significant historical transition. By remaining in the city through the mid-1600s, the early Gaff family members helped anchor the name within the urban landscape of Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gabhann
An Irish word meaning a blacksmith or metal worker.
This name
GaffDerived from a Gaelic occupational term referring to a descendant of a smith.
also spelled
Gafte
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of the County of Dublin. 1654–1656
Royal Irish Academy. A New History of Ireland, Volume III: Early Modern Ireland 1534–1691. 1976
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
