A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gracie family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0410 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a lion ramp. per fesse ar. and or”
KilkennyBarons · Kilkenny, c. 1645
Where the Gracie Arms Were Recorded
Kilkenny
Map of Ireland showing where the Gracie arms are recorded
The Gracie arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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 Gracie 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 Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Gracie Family in Ireland
The Gracie family name has deep roots in the historical landscape of County Kilkenny, where records confirm their presence as early as 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant social and political upheaval, which often forced families to settle in specific regions to secure their livelihoods. The name is believed to be an anglicized variation of older Gaelic surnames, reflecting the common practice of adapting traditional Irish names to fit the English language during the seventeenth century. By establishing themselves in Kilkenny, the Gracie family became part of a complex local society that navigated the challenges of land ownership and shifting religious policies. Their survival in this region suggests that they were well-integrated into the local community, likely participating in the agricultural or trade-based economy that defined the area at the time. This early foothold in Kilkenny provides a clear starting point for understanding how the family adapted to the changing cultural identity of Ireland throughout the following centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. semée of cinquefoils, a lion ramp. ar”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Gracie Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Gracie arms are recorded
The Gracie arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Gracie 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 England.
Origin & History of the Gracie Family in England
The Gracie family name has roots that stretch back to the bustling streets of seventeenth-century London. By 1620, records show that members of the family were already established within the city, living during a time of immense social and architectural change. The name itself is thought to have evolved as a variation of names derived from the Latin word for grace, which often served as a term of endearment or a description of a person’s pleasant character. During this period, London was a major hub for trade and migration, and families like the Gracies were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city’s identity. As they navigated life in a rapidly expanding capital, the family became part of the fabric of English society, leaving behind traces in parish registers and local administrative documents that allow us to track their presence across generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gratia
Latin term meaning grace, favor, or thanks.
This name
GracieDerived from the Latin word for grace, signifying elegance, charm, or divine favor.
also spelled
Grase
Gracce
Gracie
Gracey
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 Kilkenny, 1654–1656
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
