A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Maguire family of Ireland.
Reg. 9277 · Irish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a salmon naiant in fess ar. in chief a dexter hand apaumée of the last. Another Coat—Gu. a salmon naiant ppr. on a chief ar. a dexter hand apaumée of the first”
IrelandLinea Antiqua, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Maguire arms are recorded
The Maguire arms were recorded in Linea Antiqua, 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 Maguire 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 Maguire Family in Ireland
The Maguire family name originates from the Gaelic name Mag Uidhir, which translates to the son of the dark one. Historically, the family rose to great prominence in County Fermanagh as the leaders of the Tír Cennfota territory. By the mid-seventeenth century, the family had expanded their reach across Ireland, with records confirming their presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period of political upheaval, many members of the family were involved in the complex social and military shifts that defined the era. They were known for their resilience and their ability to maintain influence as they moved from their traditional rural strongholds into the growing urban environment of the capital city.
Maguire Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mag Uidhir
Son of the dark-colored one.
This name
MaguireDerived from the Gaelic term for a person with a dark or swarthy complexion.
also spelled
McGuire
Maguyre
Related arms
McGuirevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ó Murchadha, Diarmuid. Family Names of County Cork. 1996
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of Ireland. 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
handFaith, sincerity and justice
