A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grattan family of Ireland.
Reg. 9100 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gyronny of eight erm. and sa. a lion ramp. or”
Irelandc. 1603
Where the Grattan Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Grattan arms are recorded
The Grattan arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1603.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Grattan 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 Grattan Family in Ireland
The Grattan family name has deep roots in Ireland, with historical records confirming their presence in Dublin as early as 1603. The family is believed to have originated from the region of Monaghan before establishing a prominent foothold in the capital city. Over the following generations, the Grattans became deeply integrated into the professional and social life of Dublin, often serving as merchants, lawyers, and public officials. Their influence grew significantly during the eighteenth century as members of the family became well-known figures in Irish politics and society. By maintaining strong connections to both the city of Dublin and the surrounding countryside, the family secured a lasting legacy in Irish history that spanned several centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mag Reachtain
Son of the person named Reachtain, derived from the word for decree.
This name
GrattanAn anglicized form of an Irish patronymic surname meaning descendant of the one who issues decrees.
also spelled
Gratten
Grattin
Gratton
Related arms
Grattonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Geoffrey Hand, English Law in Ireland 1290-1324, 1967
Stephen Gwynn, Henry Grattan and the Ireland of His Age, 1939
R.B. McDowell, Irish Public Opinion 1750-1800, 1944
National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of State Papers, Ireland
National Library of Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts
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lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
