Map of Ireland showing where the Morrill arms are recorded
The Morrill 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 Ireland when the Morrill 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 Morrill Family in Ireland
The surname Morrill has deep roots that trace back to the British Isles, with historical records placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. The name is generally believed to be of occupational or descriptive origin, likely evolving from Old French or Middle English terms related to a dark complexion or a specific trade. During the seventeenth century, families with this name were often involved in the shifting political and social landscape of Ireland and England. As the Morrill family grew, they became part of the broader migration patterns that saw individuals move between these islands and eventually across the Atlantic to the American colonies. This movement was often driven by a desire for new land and economic opportunities during a time of significant upheaval. By studying these early records, we can see how the family established itself in urban centers like Dublin before branching out into different regions and professions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Muircheartach
Derived from the Gaelic words for sea and director or navigator.
This name
MorrillA surname originating from an Irish personal name meaning sea-skilled or navigator.
also spelled
Murrell
Murrel
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. 1901
National Archives of Ireland. Chancery Pleadings. 1645
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
