Map of Wales showing where the Morrissey arms are recorded
The Morrissey arms were recorded in Glamorgan, c. 1647.
Glamorgan was the richest part of Wales, with good coastal farmland and Norman castles along it. The families who held those castles kept their land for centuries, and long holding brought recorded arms.
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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Morrissey arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Glamorgan.
Origin & History of the Morrissey Family in Wales
The Morrissey family name has deep roots in the coastal landscape of Glamorgan, where records confirm their presence as early as 1647. While the name is widely recognized for its strong Irish origins, the branch settled in Wales during the seventeenth century likely integrated into the local maritime and agricultural communities of the region. During this period, Glamorgan was a hub of trade and industry, and families often moved across the Irish Sea to seek new opportunities in the growing Welsh ports. The Morrisseys in this area would have lived through a time of significant social change as the region transitioned toward the industrial developments that later defined South Wales. By establishing themselves in Glamorgan by the mid-1600s, these early family members became part of the long history of migration and cultural exchange that shaped the Welsh coastline.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. an eagle displ. sa. beaked and legged or”
Englandc. 1619
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Map of England showing where the Morrissey arms are recorded
The Morrissey arms were recorded in England, c. 1619.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Wales when the Morrissey arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Morrissey Family in England
The family name Morrissey has deep roots that stretch across the Irish Sea into the northern regions of England. While the name is traditionally associated with Irish ancestry, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York as early as 1619. During this period, York served as a major hub for trade and migration, drawing people from across the British Isles who sought new opportunities in urban centers. Families like the Morrisseys often integrated into these local communities by participating in the city's craft guilds or local parish life. Their presence in 17th-century York suggests that the family was part of a larger movement of people who navigated the complex social and economic landscape of early modern England. By settling in such a prominent administrative center, these early ancestors helped establish a lasting footprint for the name within the English historical narrative.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, a fesse dancetté betw. in chief a crescent and in base a lion ramp. sa”
TipperaryTemplemore · Tipperary, c. 1629
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Morrissey arms are recorded
The Morrissey arms were recorded in Tipperary, c. 1629.
Tipperary was the best grazing land in Ireland, held by a small number of powerful families. Land of that value stayed in the same hands, and unbroken holding is what puts a name in the records.
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 Wales when the Morrissey 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 Tipperary.
Origin & History of the Morrissey Family in Ireland
The surname Morrissey is an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Muirghis, which translates to descendant of the sea-choice or sea-mariner. This name originated in the southern regions of Ireland, particularly within the province of Munster. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in County Tipperary. Records from 1629 confirm that members of the Morrissey family were living in this area during a time of great political transition in Ireland. As the family spread from their ancestral roots, they became deeply integrated into the local agricultural and social life of the region. Their history reflects the broader patterns of Irish families who maintained their identity despite the shifting laws and land ownership changes that defined the 1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Muircheartach
Derived from Gaelic elements meaning sea and director or navigator.
This name
MorrisseyA patronymic surname signifying descendant of the navigator or sea warrior.
also spelled
Morrice
Morries
Morres
Morys
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
