Map of Ireland showing where the Hemphill arms are recorded
The Hemphill 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 Hemphill 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 Hemphill Family in Ireland
The Hemphill family name has deep roots in the Irish landscape, with historical records confirming their presence in County Tipperary by 1645. The name is believed to be a localized variation of names originating from the Scottish Lowlands, likely brought to Ireland during the period of migration and plantation in the seventeenth century. Settling primarily in the fertile regions of Tipperary, the family became integrated into the local community as landowners and farmers. Over the following generations, the Hemphills established themselves as a prominent part of the regional social structure. Their history reflects the broader movement of people between Scotland and Ireland during a time of significant political and religious change. By maintaining a steady presence in the area for centuries, the family name became firmly attached to the history and development of the Tipperary region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O hImhil
Descendant of the person named Imhil
This name
HemphillDerived from a Gaelic personal name possibly meaning troubled or restless
also spelled
Hemphyll
Hemphylle
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation, 1892
National Archives of Ireland, Cromwellian Surveys and Land Grants, 1654–1659
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
