A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the O'Rourke family of Britain.
Reg. 9267 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lambGentleness, patience and faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 d'arg. à trois lions léopardés d'or, l'un sur l'autre; au 2 coupe: a. d'arg. à un agneau couché et cont. au nat., tenant une banderole de gu.; b. d'arg. à un sanglier courant, au nat. Cq. cour. C.: un bras, arm. d'arg., la”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the O'Rourke arms are recorded
The O'Rourke 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'Rourke 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'Rourke Family in Britain
The O'Rourke family name originates from the Gaelic name Ó Ruairc, which means descendant of Ruarc. The name Ruarc itself is derived from old Germanic roots that translate to famous king. Historically, the family was a powerful dynasty in the Kingdom of Breifne, located in what is now County Leitrim and County Cavan in Ireland. By the early 1700s, members of the family began appearing in records in Kent, England. This migration was often driven by the political and economic instability in Ireland during the late seventeenth century. Many families moved across the Irish Sea to seek new opportunities or to escape the restrictive laws placed upon Irish Catholics at the time. Once they settled in Kent, these individuals integrated into the local agricultural and trade communities while maintaining their distinct cultural heritage.
O'Rourke Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ruarc
Derived from the Old Irish elements for fame and king.
This name
O'RourkeA descendant of the famous king or one who possesses renowned kingly qualities.
also spelled
Rourke
O'Rourk
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
O'Donovan, John, Annála Ríoghachta Éireann: Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, 1856
The National Archives (UK), Kent Quarter Sessions Records, 1700–1750
National Archives of Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts, 1700–1720
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lambGentleness, patience and faith
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lambGentleness, patience and faith
