Map of Britain showing where the O'Hara arms are recorded
The O'Hara 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'Hara 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'Hara Family in Britain
The O’Hara family name originates from ancient Gaelic roots in 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, Britain was experiencing significant shifts in trade and social mobility, which often encouraged families to move across the Irish Sea in search of new opportunities. These early settlers in Kent likely integrated into the local economy as laborers, craftsmen, or merchants, contributing to the diverse social fabric of the region. While the name remained strongly tied to its Irish heritage, the move to England marked a transition where the family began to participate in the broader historical developments of the British Isles. This migration pattern reflects a common trend of the era, as individuals sought to build stable lives in new communities while maintaining the legacy of their ancestral identity.
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 O'Hara arms are recorded
The O'Hara 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 O'Hara 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'Hara Family in Ireland
The family name O'Hara originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó hEaghra, which means descendant of Eaghra. The family was historically a powerful sept based in the province of Connacht, specifically in the area that is now County Sligo. They were known as the lords of Leyny and held significant influence in the region for several centuries. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family had expanded their reach across the island. Records confirm that members of the O'Hara family were established in Dublin by 1645, a time when the city was a center of political and social change. This movement from their ancestral lands in the west to the capital city reflects the broader shifts in Irish society during that turbulent period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó hEaghra
Descendant of Eaghra, a personal name meaning strife or jealousy.
This name
O'HaraRefers to a descendant of a person associated with conflict or rivalry.
also spelled
Hara
Harra
Harrah
Related arms
Hara, or O'Haravariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Kent Archives. Quarter Sessions Records: Q/SR. 1700
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
