Map of Ireland showing where the Mall arms are recorded
The Mall arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1671.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Mall 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 Mall Family in Ireland
The surname Mall has deep roots in the historical landscape of Dublin, where records confirm family members were established by at least 1671. The name likely originated as a descriptive label or a nickname, as was common for many surnames during the medieval period in Europe. In some cases, the name may have evolved from occupational titles or short forms of longer given names that were popular among the local population. By the late 17th century, the Mall family was part of the growing urban community in Dublin, a city that served as a vital hub for trade and administration. Living in such a central location suggests that these early ancestors were likely involved in the active economic life of the city. Over time, the family name became a permanent part of the social fabric of the region as members moved through different trades and neighborhoods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Mealláin
Derived from the Gaelic word meall, meaning pleasant or charming.
This name
MallA surname indicating a descendant of a person characterized by a pleasant or agreeable nature.
also spelled
Maull
Maulle
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. Calendar of the Ancient Records of Dublin. 1889
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
