Map of Britain showing where the Ohair arms are recorded
The Ohair 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 Ohair 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 Ohair Family in Britain
The family name O’Hair, often appearing in early records as O’Hare or O’Haire, traces its roots to the Gaelic tradition of Ireland before migrating across the Irish Sea to Britain. By the year 1700, members of the family had established a presence in the county of Kent, a region that served as a major gateway for travelers and workers moving between the continent and London. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local agricultural or maritime trades that defined the Kentish landscape. Because the name originated from the Gaelic term *Ó hAichir*, meaning descendant of the fierce or sharp one, the family carried a linguistic link to their ancestral homeland even as they adapted to life in southern England. These early settlers in Kent were part of a broader movement of people who navigated the social and economic shifts of the eighteenth century, gradually blending their Irish heritage with the local customs of their new English communities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert on a pale radiant or, a lion ramp. sa”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Ohair arms are recorded
The Ohair 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 Britain when the Ohair 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 Ohair Family in Ireland
The family name O’Hair, often spelled O’Haire or O’Hehir, originates from the Gaelic name Ó hAichir, which translates to descendant of the sharp or fierce one. While the name has deep roots in the western regions of Ireland, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin was a city undergoing significant political and social upheaval due to the ongoing conflicts of the mid-seventeenth century. Families living in the capital at this time often navigated a complex landscape of shifting land ownership and religious tensions. By settling in a major urban center like Dublin, the O’Hair family participated in the growing commercial and administrative life of the city during a time when Ireland was transitioning through some of its most transformative historical eras.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
O hEichir
Derived from the Gaelic word for steed or horseman.
This name
OhairA patronymic surname signifying descendant of the horseman or one associated with horses.
also spelled
Hara
Harra
Harrah
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. 1997
The National Archives, Kew. Parish registers and settlement examinations for the county of Kent, 1650–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
