A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Grady family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3324 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti de gu. et de sa.; à trois lions léopardés d'arg., l'un sur l'autre, br. sur le parti. C.: une tête et col de cheval d'arg. D.: VULNERATUS NON VICTUS.”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Grady arms are recorded
The O'Grady arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the O'Grady arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the O'Grady Family in Britain
The O’Grady family name originates from the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, but its presence in Britain became notable by the early eighteenth century. By 1700, records indicate that members of the family had established themselves in the county of Kent. During this period, Kent served as a vital hub for trade and movement between the British Isles and the European continent. Families who moved to this region often integrated into the local agricultural or mercantile economies that defined the area at the time. While the name remains deeply connected to its Irish roots, the migration of these individuals to Kent reflects a broader pattern of movement across the British Isles during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. These early settlers helped shape the local community as they adapted to life in a new landscape while maintaining their unique family heritage.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per pale gu. and sa. three lions pass. guard. per pale ar. and or, the centre lion charged on the side with a portcullis az”
IrelandThe O'Grady, c. 1831
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Grady arms are recorded
The O'Grady arms were recorded in The O'Grady, c. 1831.
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.
William IV
Sovereign of the period
William IV
1830–1837
Reigning in Britain when the O'Grady 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'Grady Family in Ireland
The surname O’Grady originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Gráda, which translates to descendant of Gráda. The name is rooted in the Gaelic word grád, meaning noble or illustrious. Historically, the family belonged to the Dál gCais tribal group, which was centered in the region of County Clare. While many families remained in the west of Ireland for centuries, the O’Grady name began to spread across the country as people moved for work, trade, and land. By the early 19th century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin. The presence of the O’Grady family in the capital by 1831 reflects the broader movement of Irish families into urban centers during a time of significant social and economic change. This shift helped the family integrate into the professional and commercial life of the city while maintaining their deep connection to their ancient Irish heritage.
O'Grady Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gráda
An Irish word meaning noble or illustrious.
This name
O'GradyDescendant of the noble or illustrious one.
also spelled
Grady
Gradey
Gradie
Related arms
Gradyvariant spelling
Goldingrecorded with O'Grady, same area
Gormaganrecorded with O'Grady, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Canny, Nicholas, Making Ireland British, 1580–1650, 2001
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: George I, SP 35
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, P200/1/A1
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lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
