Map of Ireland showing where the O'Flaherty arms are recorded
The O'Flaherty 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 O'Flaherty 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 O'Flaherty Family in Ireland
The O'Flaherty family name originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Flaithbheartaigh, which translates to the descendant of the bright ruler. Historically, the family was a powerful force in the west of Ireland, specifically in the region of Connemara in County Galway. They were known as the lords of Iar Connacht and held significant influence over the coastal territories for many centuries. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family had expanded their reach, and records confirm their presence in Dublin by 1645. This period was a time of great political upheaval in Ireland, and the movement of families like the O'Flahertys into urban centers often reflected the shifting power structures and land ownership patterns of the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Flaithbheartach
A compound of words meaning prince or ruler and bright or generous.
This name
O'FlahertyDescendant of the bright ruler or generous prince.
also spelled
Flaherty
Flaverty
Related arms
Donnellysimilar arms
O'Donnellysimilar arms
Flahertyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hardiman, James, A Chorographical Description of West or H-Iar Connacht, written A.D. 1684 by Roderic O'Flaherty, 1846
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Galway, 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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
lionCourage, strength and royalty
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
