A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Beirne family of Ireland.
Reg. 9422 · Irish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 oak tree eradicated and fructed ppr. in base a lizard vert, in the dexter base point a saltire couped gu. on a chief az. the sun in his splendour or, and a crescent of the first”
RoscommonConnaught · Roscommon, c. 1645
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 O'Beirne arms are recorded
The O'Beirne arms were recorded in Roscommon, c. 1645.
Roscommon was midland Irish grazing country, held by old Irish families before the plantations and by settlers after. Both sorts held land, and holding land is what brought 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the O'Beirne 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 Roscommon.
Origin & History of the O'Beirne Family in Ireland
The O’Beirne family name originates from the Gaelic Irish name Ó Beirne, which translates to descendant of Beirne. The name itself is derived from the Old Norse word bjorn, meaning bear, suggesting that the family’s early ancestors may have had connections to the Viking settlers who arrived in Ireland centuries before. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the O’Beirnes were firmly established as a prominent landed family in County Roscommon. Historical records from 1645 confirm their presence in this region, where they held significant estates and played an active role in the local social and political landscape. As members of the Gaelic nobility, the family maintained deep ties to the land and the traditions of Connacht, surviving through a period of immense upheaval and transition in Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Birn
Descendant of the bear
This name
O'BeirneDerived from an ancient Gaelic personal name signifying a bear or warrior.
also spelled
Obeirney
Related arms
Beirnevariant spelling
Ayalarecorded with O'Beirne, same area
Floriorecorded with O'Beirne, same area
Gambowrecorded with O'Beirne, same area
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
O’Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation, 1892
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of County Roscommon, 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
oakGreat age, strength and steadfastness
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
