Map of Ireland showing where the Murtagh arms are recorded
The Murtagh 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 Murtagh 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 Murtagh Family in Ireland
The surname Murtagh originates from the ancient Gaelic name Muircheartach, which translates to sea-skilled or navigator. This name was historically associated with powerful seafaring clans along the western coast of Ireland, particularly in County Galway and County Mayo. By the mid-17th century, the family had expanded its reach significantly, with records confirming their presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political upheaval, and the arrival of families from the west often reflected the broader movement of people seeking new opportunities in the capital city. As the family integrated into urban life, they transitioned from their traditional roots to become part of the evolving social fabric of 17th-century Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Muircheartach
Derived from muir meaning sea and ceartach meaning ruler or director.
This name
MurtaghA navigator or mariner who possesses great skill in seafaring and leadership.
also spelled
Mortaugh
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
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654–1656
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