Map of Ireland showing where the Mooney arms are recorded
The Mooney arms were recorded in Meath, c. 1638.
Meath was the best farmland in Ireland and the old seat of its high kings. Norman families took it early and held it, and land of that quality kept the same families on it for centuries.
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 Mooney 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 Meath.
Origin & History of the Mooney Family in Ireland
The surname Mooney finds its roots in the ancient Gaelic language of Ireland, originating from the name Ó Maonaigh, which translates to a descendant of Maonach. The name Maonach itself is derived from a word meaning wealthy or fortunate. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in County Meath, a region deeply connected to the high kings of Ireland and the early development of the Irish church. Records from 1638 confirm that members of the Mooney family were living in this area during a time of significant political transition. As the family grew, they became part of the complex social fabric of the Irish Midlands, maintaining their cultural identity through generations of change. Their history is tied to the traditional Gaelic clans that once organized Irish society, reflecting a long lineage of people who lived and worked on the land in Meath for centuries.
Mooney Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ó Maonaigh
Descendant of the wealthy or noble one.
This name
MooneyDerived from the Gaelic word maonach, signifying a person of wealth or fortune.
also spelled
Moony
Mony
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of County Meath, 1654
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
