Reilly Family Crest & Coat of Arms

A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Reilly family of England.

Reg. 1474 · English, P–S

Meaning of the Reilly family crest colors & symbols

Symbols on this shield

chevronProtection, and faithful service completed

cross symbolChristian faith and service

shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken

beeIndustry, order and tireless work

Colours

Gold (Or)Means: Generosity

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

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)

“Or, on a chev. betw. two crosses pattée fitchée in chief az. and in base, on waves of the sea, a ship in full sail ppr. three bees volant of the field”

EnglandLondon, c. 1620

Digital archive pack Coat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.

Get Reilly files

Where the Reilly Arms Were Recorded

London

Map of England showing where the Reilly arms are recorded

The Reilly arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.

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.

Region: London
Town: London
First recorded: 1620

Granting Authority for the Reilly Arms

Authority

College of Arms

1484-present

The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.

Sovereign of the period

James VI and I

1603–1625

Reigning in England when the Reilly 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 England.

Origin & History of the Reilly Family in England

The family name Reilly originates from the Gaelic name Ó Raghallaigh, which translates to a descendant of Raghallach. This surname first emerged in the ancient kingdom of Breifne, located in what is now County Cavan, Ireland. By the early 17th century, members of the family began to move beyond their ancestral lands due to shifting political landscapes and economic pressures. Records confirm that individuals bearing the name were established in London by 1620, likely participating in the growing trade networks and urban migration that defined the era. These early settlers in England were part of a broader movement of Irish people seeking new opportunities in the capital city during the reign of King James I. Their presence in London during this time reflects the family’s transition from a localized Irish clan to a broader presence within the British Isles.

Documented Sources