A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heffernan family of Ireland.
Reg. 5654 · Irish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per fess vert and gu. on a fess or, a lion pass. guard. az. in chief three crescents of the third”
TipperaryTipperary, c. 1645
Where the Heffernan Arms Were Recorded
Tipperary
Map of Ireland showing where the Heffernan arms are recorded
The Heffernan arms were recorded in Tipperary, c. 1645.
Tipperary was the best grazing land in Ireland, held by a small number of powerful families. Land of that value stayed in the same hands, and unbroken holding is what puts a name in the 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 Heffernan 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 Tipperary.
Origin & History of the Heffernan Family in Ireland
The family name Heffernan originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó hIfearnáin, which translates to descendant of Ifearnán. The name Ifearnán itself is derived from a word meaning little demon or sprite. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family was firmly established in County Tipperary. During this period, they were recognized as a prominent sept, or kinship group, within the region of Owney. They were historically associated with the local ruling families and held significant influence over the lands they occupied. As the political landscape of Ireland shifted throughout the 1600s, the Heffernans maintained their presence in Tipperary despite the widespread displacement of many native Irish families. Their history reflects the deep connection between Irish surnames and the specific geographic territories where these families first rose to prominence.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó hIfearnáin
Descendant of the little demon or sprite.
This name
HeffernanDerived from the Gaelic word for a small demon, implying a spirited or mischievous nature.
also spelled
Heffernan
Heffernane
Heffernin
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1969
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of County Tipperary. 1654
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
