A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harrow family of Ireland.
Reg. 1370 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. three harrows conjoined in the nombril point of the escutcheon gu. with a wreath ar. and of the second, toothed or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Harrow Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Harrow arms are recorded
The Harrow 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 Harrow 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 Harrow Family in Ireland
The surname Harrow is often linked to the Old English word "hearg," which originally referred to a pagan temple or a sacred grove located on a hill. Over many centuries, the name evolved as families settled in areas near these landmarks or took their identity from local geography. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in Dublin. Records from 1645 show that members of the Harrow family were active in the city during a time of significant political and social transition in Ireland. These early residents were likely part of the growing urban population that helped shape the commercial and civic life of Dublin as it expanded during the middle of the century. Their presence in the city suggests that the family had successfully integrated into the local community, contributing to the historical fabric of the region during a period of intense historical change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
herwe
Old English term for a farm implement used to break soil.
This name
HarrowA topographic name for someone who lived near a harrow or worked as a farmer.
also spelled
Harowe
Harro
Harows
Related arms
Harowsvariant spelling
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 Dublin, 1654–1656
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., 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.
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
sickleThe harvest, and the reaping of what was sown
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
