Map of England showing where the Joyce arms are recorded
The Joyce arms were recorded in Nottingham, c. 1620.
Nottinghamshire had coal under it and forest across it, and both were worth money. Families who profited bought manors, and a manor was the ordinary reason for a family to take a coat of arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Joyce arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Nottingham.
Origin & History of the Joyce Family in England
The surname Joyce has roots that stretch deep into the medieval period, originating as a given name derived from the Old French term *joieuse*, which translates to joyful or merry. By the time the name began to stabilize as a hereditary surname in England, it was frequently found among families who lived in the Midlands. Records confirm that members of the Joyce family were well-established in Nottingham by 1620, where they lived as part of a growing urban community during the early seventeenth century. During this era, families with this name often worked in trade or local crafts, contributing to the economic life of the town as it expanded. Because the name was originally a personal descriptor, it was adopted by various unrelated families across different regions, meaning that those living in Nottingham likely developed their own unique local history separate from other branches of the name.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. an eagle displ. gu. charged on the breast with a bar gemel erm”
GalwayGalway, c. 1647
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Wales showing where the Joyce arms are recorded
The Joyce arms were recorded in Galway, c. 1647.
Galway was western Irish country of poor land and a rich port. A small group of merchant families ran the town for centuries and held estates around it, and both kinds of property carried arms.
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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Joyce arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Galway.
Origin & History of the Joyce Family in Wales
The surname Joyce has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, originating from the personal name Joyeux, which means joyful. While the family is famously associated with the rugged landscape of Connemara in County Galway by the mid-seventeenth century, their journey to Ireland likely began with the movement of Norman settlers into Wales. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, many families of Norman descent established themselves in the Welsh Marches and coastal regions before crossing the Irish Sea. These early settlers often served as administrators or soldiers for the Anglo-Norman lords who were expanding their influence into western territories. By the time the Joyce family became prominent landowners in Galway in 1647, they had already transitioned from their continental origins through the social structures of Wales and into the Gaelic cultural sphere of western Ireland. This migration path reflects the broader movement of families who adapted to new lands while maintaining their distinct identity over several generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. three torteaux in bend betw. two bendlets gu”
Irelandc. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Joyce arms are recorded
The Joyce 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 England when the Joyce 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 Joyce Family in Ireland
The Joyce family name has a long and complex history in Ireland, particularly within the western province of Connacht and the city of Dublin. While the name is often associated with the Norman settlers who arrived in the thirteenth century, its roots in Ireland became deeply established over the following centuries. By the year 1645, records confirm that members of the Joyce family were active and influential residents of Dublin. During this period, the family was part of the shifting social and political landscape of a country undergoing significant upheaval. Over time, the Joyces integrated into Irish society, moving away from their continental origins to become a distinct part of the cultural fabric of the island. Their presence in major urban centers like Dublin highlights how the family evolved from their early medieval beginnings into a recognized name in Irish history.
Joyce Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Iodocus
Derived from the Germanic element meaning lord or prince.
This name
JoyceA medieval given name that evolved into a surname, signifying a lordly or noble person.
also spelled
Joice
Joyes
Joyse
Related arms
Byttonsame arms
Byrtonsimilar arms
Juycevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Nottinghamshire Archives, Nottingham St Mary Parish Registers, 1620
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
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
