Map of Ireland showing where the Ormsby arms are recorded
The Ormsby arms were recorded in Mayo, c. 1812.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in Ireland when the Ormsby 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 Ormsby Family in Ireland
The Ormsby family name arrived in Ireland during the late sixteenth century, primarily as part of the English settlement efforts in the province of Connacht. The family established a significant presence in County Mayo, where they became prominent landowners and administrators over the following generations. By the early nineteenth century, the Ormsbys were deeply integrated into the social and political fabric of the region. Historical records confirm their active involvement in local affairs by 1812, a time when the family managed large estates and held positions of influence within the county. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and land ownership that defined the Anglo-Irish experience in the west of Ireland during this period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
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. crusily ar. a bend chequy or and az”
NorfolkNorfolk, c. 1620
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 England showing where the Ormsby arms are recorded
The Ormsby arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Ormsby arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Ormsby Family in England
The history of the Ormsby family in England is deeply rooted in the landscape of Norfolk, where members of the family were firmly established by the early seventeenth century. The name itself is of Old Norse origin, likely derived from a combination of a personal name and the word for a farmstead or village. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family were part of the Scandinavian influence that shaped the coastal regions of East Anglia during the Middle Ages. By the year 1620, the Ormsbys were active participants in the local life of Norfolk, living as landowners and members of the community during a period of significant social and economic change in England. Their presence in this specific region reflects the long history of migration and settlement that defined the English countryside for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ormr-byr
Old Norse for snake or dragon and farmstead or village.
This name
OrmsbyRefers to a settlement or farmstead originally established by a person named Snake.
also spelled
Ormesby
Ormsbie
Ormesbie
Related arms
Ormesbyvariant spelling
McCoghlanrecorded with Ormsby, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Knox, Hubert Thomas. The History of the County of Mayo to the Close of the Sixteenth Century. 1908
O'Hart, John. Irish Pedigrees; or, The Origin and Stem of the Irish Nation. 1892
National Archives of Ireland, Chief Secretary's Office Registered Papers
National Library of Ireland, Ormsby Estate Papers
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
