Map of Ireland showing where the Iams arms are recorded
The Iams arms were recorded in Whitstone, 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 Iams 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 Iams Family in Ireland
The surname Iams is believed to have roots in the British Isles, with historical evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. During the seventeenth century, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political transition, which likely influenced the movement and settlement patterns of families in the region. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older patronymic naming traditions, where a person was identified by the name of their father or a specific ancestor. As the family grew, they became part of the broader social fabric of Ireland before many eventually migrated to the American colonies in the eighteenth century. This migration was often driven by the search for land and new economic opportunities, leading the family to establish deep roots in areas like Maryland and Pennsylvania. By tracing these early movements, we can see how the Iams name evolved from its Irish origins into a distinct lineage that spread across the Atlantic.
Iams Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Adam
Derived from the Hebrew word for earth or man.
This name
IamsA patronymic form meaning son of Adam, originating from an Irish Gaelic adaptation.
also spelled
Yans
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
O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. 1892
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
