Map of England showing where the Sheedy arms are recorded
The Sheedy arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England when the Sheedy 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 Sheedy Family in England
The family name Sheedy is primarily rooted in the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, originating from the name Mac Síthigh. This name translates to the son of the peaceful one, which suggests that early ancestors were known for their diplomatic or calm nature. While the name is deeply connected to the province of Munster, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in York, England, by 1620. During this period, the movement of families between Ireland and northern England was often driven by trade, religious shifts, and the search for new economic opportunities. Living in a major city like York during the early seventeenth century indicates that these early Sheedy ancestors were likely integrated into the urban merchant or professional classes of the time. This migration highlights how the family adapted to new environments while maintaining their distinct cultural identity during a time of significant social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sioda
An Irish Gaelic term referring to silk.
This name
SheedyDerived from a nickname for a person with a smooth or silky temperament.
also spelled
Sead
Seade
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland, 1985
Woulfe, Patrick, Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames, 1923
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
