Map of Ireland showing where the Swinney arms are recorded
The Swinney arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1645.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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 Swinney 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Swinney Family in Ireland
The surname Swinney has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within County Wexford, where family members were documented as early as 1645. The name is widely considered an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mac Suibhne, which translates to "son of Suibhne." The original Gaelic name is derived from the word for "pleasant" or "well-disposed." Historically, the family was associated with the Gallowglass, a group of elite mercenary warriors of Norse-Gaelic descent who served Irish chieftains. By the mid-17th century, families bearing this name had established a presence in the southeast of Ireland during a period of significant political and social upheaval. Over time, the spelling evolved to fit English phonetic patterns, eventually settling into the form recognized today. This transition reflects the broader linguistic changes that occurred as families navigated the shifting cultural landscape of 17th-century Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Suibhne
Derived from the Gaelic word meaning pleasant or well-disposed.
This name
SwinneyAn Irish patronymic surname signifying a descendant of the pleasant or well-disposed one.
also spelled
Swyny
Swinney
Swiney
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland, Civil Survey of the County of Wexford. 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
