A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Malley family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9549 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un sanglier pass. de gu., criné d'or, acc. de trois arcs tendus avec leurs flèches encochées, au nat., les arcs et les flèches mal-ordonnés et dirigés vers l'abîme; à une galère de sa. en p., entre les deux arcs. C.: un cheval galopant d'arg. D.: TERRA MARIQUE POTENS.”
Britainc. 1804
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Malley arms are recorded
The O'Malley arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1804.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in Britain when the O'Malley 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'Malley Family in Britain
The O’Malley family name has deep roots in Irish history, but its presence in Britain became more prominent during the nineteenth century. While the name originated as a Gaelic surname in County Mayo, members of the family began migrating across the Irish Sea for work and new opportunities as the century progressed. By 1804, records confirm that individuals carrying the O’Malley name were living and working in the county of Kent. This early settlement in southeastern England suggests that the family was part of a broader movement of people traveling between Ireland and Britain during a period of significant social and economic change. These early residents in Kent likely integrated into local communities as laborers or tradespeople, helping to establish the name within the British landscape long before the mass migrations that occurred later in the century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a boar pass. gu. bristled or, betw. three long-bows charged with arrows and bent, pointing in centre, one in chief, and a skiff with oars sa. betw. the two in base”
MayoRosehill · Mayo, c. 1582
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Map of Ireland showing where the O'Malley arms are recorded
The O'Malley arms were recorded in Mayo, c. 1582.
Mayo was poor western Irish country of bog and mountain, held by a small number of old families. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on appear in the records.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the O'Malley 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 Mayo.
Origin & History of the O'Malley Family in Ireland
The O’Malley family name originates from the Gaelic name Ó Máille, which translates to a descendant of a follower of the prince. By the late sixteenth century, the family was firmly established as a powerful seafaring dynasty centered in County Mayo. They were famous for their mastery of the Atlantic coastline and their skill in maritime trade and naval warfare. Historical records from 1582 confirm their presence in the region, where they held significant influence over the islands and coastal territories. Unlike many other land-based clans, the O’Malleys were known as the sea kings of Connacht. They maintained a unique independence by controlling the waters around Clew Bay and using their fleet to protect their interests against both local rivals and external forces. This maritime heritage defined their social status and allowed them to remain a dominant force in western Ireland for generations.
O'Malley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
O Maille
Derived from the Gaelic word for a prince or chief.
This name
O'MalleyA descendant of the follower or devotee of Saint Patrick.
also spelled
Malley
Omally
Mally
Related arms
Malleyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
