Map of Ireland showing where the Godfrey arms are recorded
The Godfrey arms were recorded in Kerry, c. 1645.
Kerry was mountain and coast country in the far south-west of Ireland. Its land was poor and held by a few families for a very long time, and long unbroken holding fills a register.
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 Godfrey 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 Kerry.
Origin & History of the Godfrey Family in Ireland
The Godfrey family established a significant presence in County Kerry by 1645, marking the beginning of their long-standing influence in the region. The name itself originates from the Old German name Godefrid, which translates to peace of God. It arrived in Ireland primarily through English settlers during the seventeenth century, a period defined by major land redistributions and political upheaval. The family quickly integrated into the local social structure, eventually becoming prominent landowners in the area around Milltown. By settling in Kerry, they transitioned from their roots in England to becoming a fixture of the Irish landscape, participating in the complex administrative and economic life of the province for generations. Their history serves as a clear example of how families moved and adapted during the turbulent seventeenth century in Ireland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
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 griffin segreant sa”
BedfordBedford, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Godfrey arms are recorded
The Godfrey arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one brought 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 Ireland when the Godfrey 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Godfrey Family in England
The surname Godfrey traces its roots back to the Germanic personal name Godefrid, which translates to peace of God. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, this name became popular across England as it moved from the continent into the local language. By the time the family was firmly established in Bedford by 1620, the name had evolved from a first name into a hereditary surname used to identify specific family lines. During this period, families often settled in market towns like Bedford to take advantage of trade and local government opportunities. As the name spread through the English countryside, it became a common identifier for families who were often involved in the agricultural and civic life of their local parishes. This transition from a personal name to a family name reflects the broader shift in English society where people began using surnames to track lineage and property across generations.
Godfrey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Godafrid
Derived from the Germanic elements for god and peace.
This name
GodfreyA name signifying peace granted by the divine or god's peace.
also spelled
Godfray
Godfry
Godfrie
Related arms
Goadefroyvariant spelling
Godfrayvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hickson, Mary Agnes. Selections from Old Kerry Records, Historical and Genealogical. 1872
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Records of the Godfrey Estate, Milltown, County Kerry
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
