Map of Ireland showing where the Leaf arms are recorded
The Leaf arms were recorded in Park Hill, 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 Leaf 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 Leaf Family in Ireland
The surname Leaf is primarily recognized as an English occupational or descriptive name, likely originating from a nickname for a person with a gentle nature or perhaps someone who lived near a prominent tree. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Dublin, Ireland, as evidenced by records from 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political transition, and families like the Leafs were often part of the growing merchant or professional classes who moved between England and Ireland for economic opportunities. While the name remains relatively uncommon, its persistence in historical documents from the 1600s suggests that the family was well-integrated into the urban life of the city during a time of significant social change. These early settlers helped shape the local community, leaving a trace of their presence in the administrative and legal records of the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O'Duillearga
Descendant of the person who is a follower of the fork
This name
LeafAn anglicized form derived from the Irish Gaelic term for a leaf or foliage
also spelled
Leefe
Leif
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
leafHappiness and abundance
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
leafHappiness and abundance
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
