A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Godley family of Ireland.
Reg. 9878 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. three unicorns' heads erased sa. horned gu, two and one, and three trefoils slipped vert, one and two”
LeitrimLeitrim, c. 1810
Where the Godley Arms Were Recorded
Leitrim
Map of Ireland showing where the Godley arms are recorded
The Godley arms were recorded in Leitrim, c. 1810.
Leitrim was poor, narrow Irish country of lake and mountain. Its landed families were few, but those who held ground held it for a very long time.
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
1801–1820
Reigning in Ireland when the Godley 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 Leitrim.
Origin & History of the Godley Family in Ireland
The surname Godley is primarily of English origin, derived from a locational name referring to a "good clearing" or a "God-clearing" in the woods. While the name has deep roots in regions like Cheshire and Yorkshire, its presence in County Leitrim by 1810 suggests a migration pattern common during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Families often moved across the Irish Sea for work in agriculture, trade, or military service, eventually establishing themselves in new communities. In Leitrim, the Godley name became part of the local social fabric during a time of significant economic change in Ireland. Over generations, these families adapted to their new environment while maintaining the legacy of their ancestral name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
God
Old English term referring to a deity or supreme being.
This name
GodleyDerived from a nickname meaning good or godly, often denoting a pious person.
also spelled
Godly
Godlie
Godlee
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Cottle, Basil. The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. 1967
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland. Tithe Applotment Books. 1823–1837
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
