A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Greenham family of Ireland.
Reg. 9136 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
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 chev. betw. two crosses formée in chief and a saltire in base sa”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Greenham Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Greenham arms are recorded
The Greenham arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Greenham 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 Greenham Family in Ireland
The family name Greenham is rooted in the English landscape, likely originating as a topographical surname for people who lived near a village or area defined by green pastures. By the middle of the seventeenth century, members of the family had established a presence in Dublin, Ireland. The year 1645 was a period of significant political tension in Ireland, as the country was caught in the middle of the Confederate Wars. Families moving into Dublin at this time often did so for trade, military service, or administrative roles within the city. Because Dublin served as a primary hub for commerce and government, the Greenhams were likely part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city during this era of transition. Their presence in the capital suggests they were integrated into the social and economic life of the region during a time when Dublin was becoming a central point for families arriving from across the British Isles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grene ham
Old English words for green and a homestead or enclosure.
This name
GreenhamRefers to someone who lived near a green meadow or a verdant village settlement.
also spelled
Greeneham
Greynham
Related arms
Cormakanerecorded with Greenham, same area
Cruserecorded with Greenham, same area
Garrettrecorded with Greenham, same area
Hamleyrecorded with Greenham, same area
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, A.D. 1654-1656
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of English Surnames. 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
