A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pakenham family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4946 · Irish, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Barry of six or and sa. on a bend gu. three eagles displ. or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Pakenham Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Pakenham arms are recorded
The Pakenham 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 Ireland when the Pakenham 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 Pakenham Family in Ireland
The Pakenham family established their roots in Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval. Records confirm that members of the family were living in Dublin by 1645, placing them in the capital during the final years of the Irish Confederate Wars. Following this initial settlement, the family quickly integrated into the administrative and social fabric of the country. They eventually secured significant landholdings in County Westmeath, specifically at Tullynally, which became their ancestral seat for generations. By transitioning from urban residents in Dublin to prominent landowners in the Irish countryside, the Pakenhams became deeply involved in the local governance and political life of the region. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and land acquisition that defined the experience of many families who settled in Ireland during this era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, or and gu. in the first quarter an eagle displ. of the second”
SuffolkSuffolk, c. 1620
Where the Pakenham Arms Were Recorded
Suffolk
Map of England showing where the Pakenham arms are recorded
The Pakenham arms were recorded in Suffolk, c. 1620.
Suffolk was wool country, and its cloth towns were among the wealthiest in England. Clothier families bought manors with their profits, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Pakenham 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 Suffolk.
Origin & History of the Pakenham Family in England
The Pakenham family name originates from a small village in Suffolk, England, known as Pakenham. During the medieval period, families often adopted the names of the places where they lived or held land, and the Pakenhams established themselves as prominent local figures in this region. By the early 17th century, the family had deep roots in the Suffolk landscape, maintaining a presence that spanned several generations. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were well-established in the area, living as part of the landed gentry. Their history is closely tied to the development of rural English society, where they participated in local governance and managed agricultural estates. Over time, the family expanded their influence beyond Suffolk, eventually becoming a notable name in both English and Irish history through their involvement in military and political service.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pakenham
Derived from the Old English place name meaning Pacca's homestead.
This name
PakenhamRefers to an individual originating from the village of Pakenham in Suffolk, England.
also spelled
Packenham
Pakenam
Related arms
Packenhamsimilar arms
Pagenhamvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ball, F. Elrington, A History of the County Dublin, 1902
National Archives of Ireland, Records of the Prerogative Court of Armagh
The National Archives (UK), State Papers Ireland, 1645
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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
