Map of Britain showing where the O'Meara arms are recorded
The O'Meara 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'Meara 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'Meara Family in Britain
The O’Meara family name originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Meadhra, which translates to a descendant of Meadhra, a name associated with the meaning of mirth or joy. While the family roots are deeply embedded in the County Tipperary region of Ireland, members of the O’Meara line began appearing in British records during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. By the year 1700, there is clear evidence of the family establishing a presence in the county of Kent. During this era, many Irish families moved across the Irish Sea to Britain for trade, military service, or professional opportunities. As they settled into English communities, the spelling of the name sometimes shifted slightly in local parish registers to accommodate English phonetic standards. This migration marked a significant transition for the family as they integrated into the social and economic fabric of southern England while maintaining their distinct ancestral identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Gu. three lions pass. guard. in pale per pale ar. and or, armed and langued az. a border of the last, semée of crescents of the third”
TipperaryLishenuske · Tipperary, c. 1636
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the O'Meara arms are recorded
The O'Meara arms were recorded in Tipperary, c. 1636.
Tipperary was the best grazing land in Ireland, held by a small number of powerful families. Land of that value stayed in the same hands, and unbroken holding is what puts a name 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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the O'Meara 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 Tipperary.
Origin & History of the O'Meara Family in Ireland
The O’Meara family name originates from the Gaelic term Ó Meadhra, which translates to a descendant of Meadhra. Historically, the family was firmly established in the region of County Tipperary, where they held significant influence as hereditary physicians to the local ruling clans. By the year 1636, the O’Mearas were well-documented landowners and professionals within the barony of Upper Ormond. Their status as healers allowed them to maintain a respected position in Irish society for generations. Despite the political upheavals and land confiscations that defined the seventeenth century in Ireland, the family remained deeply connected to their ancestral lands in Tipperary, preserving their identity through their service to the community and their strong regional ties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Meadhra
Descendant of the merry or joyous one.
This name
O'MearaRefers to a lineage originating from an ancestor characterized by a cheerful or festive disposition.
also spelled
Meara
Omearah
Mearah
Related arms
Arraghsimilar arms
O'Briensimilar arms
O'Brien de Shotgrovesimilar arms
Mearavariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
The National Archives (UK). Parish registers for the county of Kent, series RG 4
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
