Map of Ireland showing where the Parsons arms are recorded
The Parsons arms were recorded in Rosse, c. 1682.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Ireland when the Parsons 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 Parsons Family in Ireland
The family name Parsons arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social transition, establishing a notable presence in Dublin by 1682. While the name originated from the occupational title of a parson or a member of the clergy, those who settled in Ireland often integrated into the administrative and professional life of the capital city. By the late seventeenth century, the family was part of a growing class of settlers who contributed to the urban development and commercial expansion of Dublin. These early residents were often involved in civic duties and local governance, which helped them secure a stable position within the social hierarchy of the time. Their presence in the city records from 1682 serves as a clear marker of their integration into Irish society, reflecting the broader movement of families who sought new opportunities across the Irish Sea during the Restoration era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leafHappiness and abundance
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. on a chev. ar. betw. three oak leaves or, as many crosses gu”
BuckinghamBuckingham, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Parsons arms are recorded
The Parsons arms were recorded in Buckingham, c. 1620.
Buckinghamshire was quiet farming country on the road out of London. Court officials and lawyers bought manors there within easy reach of the capital, and a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Parsons 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 Buckingham.
Origin & History of the Parsons Family in England
The surname Parsons is an occupational name that originated in medieval England. It was traditionally given to individuals who served as a parson, which was the title for a member of the clergy in charge of a local parish church. Because these men were often respected community leaders, the name became a common way to identify families living near church lands or those connected to the local rectory. By the early 17th century, the name was well established across various English counties. Historical records confirm that members of the Parsons family were living in Buckingham by 1620. During this period, families with this name were often involved in local trade and agriculture, helping to shape the social fabric of English market towns as they prepared for the significant migrations that would soon follow to the American colonies.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
owlWisdom and vigilance by night
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, or, a chev. betw. four crosses crosslet fitchée gu., for PARSONS; 2nd, ar. two lions pass. guard. az. armed and langued gu., for HANMER; 3rd, erm. a lion ramp. sa. armed and langued gu. a canton chequey or and gu., for JEFFREYS; 4th, gu., three owls ar., for MORGAN”
RadnorClanclewedog · Radnor, c. 1647
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 Wales showing where the Parsons arms are recorded
The Parsons arms were recorded in Radnor, c. 1647.
Radnorshire was empty mid-Welsh hill country, the least populated county in Wales. Its few landed families held their ground for centuries, and long holding brought 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Parsons arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Radnor.
Origin & History of the Parsons Family in Wales
The surname Parsons originated as an occupational name, identifying an individual as the "parson" or the local parish priest. While the name is common across England, its presence in Wales grew through the movement of families across the border into the Welsh Marches. By 1647, records confirm that members of the Parsons family were firmly established in the county of Radnor. During this period, Radnor was a region undergoing significant social and administrative changes as it integrated more closely with English legal systems. Families with this name often held positions of local influence, serving as landholders or community leaders who helped manage the daily affairs of the parish. Their presence in Radnor reflects a broader trend of families settling into the Welsh countryside and becoming deeply woven into the local history of the region.
Parsons Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Persona
Latin term for a theatrical mask or character representing a role.
This name
ParsonsRefers to a person who held the position of a parish priest or clergyman.
also spelled
Parsones
Parssone
Related arms
Bassettrecorded with Parsons, same area
Breakspearrecorded with Parsons, same area
Bucklandrecorded with Parsons, same area
Colemanrecorded with Parsons, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Archives of Ireland, Parish Register Transcripts of Dublin
Representative Church Body Library, Dublin City Vestry Records
McCormack, W. J., The Dublin Paper War of 1786: A Bibliographical and Critical Inquiry, 1993
Moody, T. W., Martin, F. X., and Byrne, F. J., A New History of Ireland, Volume III: Early Modern Ireland 1534–1691, 1976
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
leafHappiness and abundance
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
owlWisdom and vigilance by night
