A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gara family of Ireland.
Reg. 8001 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. three lions ramp. az. on a chief gu. a demi lion ramp. or”
WestmeathWestmeath, c. 1645
Where the Gara Arms Were Recorded
Westmeath
Map of Ireland showing where the Gara arms are recorded
The Gara arms were recorded in Westmeath, c. 1645.
Westmeath was midland grazing country in Ireland, taken by Norman families and held for centuries. Its estates were large and passed down whole, and unbroken tenure brought 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Gara 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 Westmeath.
Origin & History of the Gara Family in Ireland
The family name Gara has deep roots in the Irish landscape, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in County Westmeath by 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant political and social upheaval, which often forced families to relocate or solidify their presence on ancestral lands. The name is closely linked to the Gaelic tradition, likely originating from a descriptive nickname or a specific geographic location that identified the early bearers of the name. As the family settled in Westmeath, they became part of the local social fabric, navigating the complex land ownership patterns and communal life of the seventeenth century. Their presence in this region suggests they were integrated into the local economy and community well before the major demographic shifts that would later define Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O Gadhra
Derived from the Gaelic word gadhair meaning a hound or dog.
This name
GaraRefers to a descendant of the hound, symbolizing loyalty, courage, or hunting prowess.
also spelled
Garrae
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 Ireland 1654–1656, County Westmeath
O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation, 1892
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
