Map of England showing where the Nash arms are recorded
The Nash arms were recorded in Oxford, c. 1574.
Oxfordshire was farming country with the university at its centre, and both produced families of standing. Scholars and lawyers who did well bought manors nearby, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Nash 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 Oxford.
Origin & History of the Nash Family in England
The surname Nash is a classic example of a topographic name, which means it was originally used to describe where a person lived. It evolved from the Middle English phrase atten ash, which literally translates to at the ash tree. Over time, the words merged and shortened into the single name Nash. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the university city of Oxford. Records from 1574 confirm that members of the Nash family were living and working in this area during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Because the ash tree was a common landmark in the English countryside, families living near these trees often adopted the name independently in different regions. This suggests that the early Nashes were likely farmers or laborers who were identified by their proximity to a prominent local tree.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
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 tricorporate lion ramp. issuing out of the dexter and sinister chief points and the base, all meeting under one head in the fess point sa”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Nash arms are recorded
The Nash 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 England when the Nash 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 Nash Family in Ireland
The family name Nash has a long and complex history in Ireland, particularly within the urban environment of Dublin. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Nash family were well-established residents of the city. During this period, Dublin was a center of significant political and social change, and families like the Nashes often occupied roles as merchants or tradespeople who helped shape the local economy. While the name itself has roots in the English language, referring to someone who lived near an ash tree, its Irish presence grew through centuries of migration and trade across the Irish Sea. These early settlers integrated into the fabric of Dublin life, contributing to the city’s development during a time of great upheaval. Over the following generations, the family name became a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting the broader history of families who moved to Ireland and eventually considered it their true home.
Nash Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
atten ash
Middle English phrase meaning at the ash tree
This name
NashA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent ash tree.
also spelled
Nasshe
Naish
Related arms
Naishvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Oxfordshire History Centre, Oxford City Council Records: City Archives, 1574
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
