Map of England showing where the Tully arms are recorded
The Tully arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Tully 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Tully Family in England
The history of the Tully family in England is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of the northern borderlands. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of Cumberland. This region was historically defined by its proximity to the Scottish border, which meant that families living there often had to be resilient and self-reliant during times of political instability. The name itself is thought to have evolved from ancient Gaelic or Old Irish roots, likely arriving in northern England through the movement of people across the Irish Sea. Over time, the Tully family integrated into the local community, transitioning from their origins into the life of the English countryside. Their presence in Cumberland during the early seventeenth century suggests they were part of a long-standing tradition of families who farmed the land and contributed to the growth of northern English society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert a chev. betw. three wolves' heads erased ar”
GalwayGalway, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Tully arms are recorded
The Tully arms were recorded in Galway, c. 1645.
Galway was western Irish country of poor land and a rich port. A small group of merchant families ran the town for centuries and held estates around it, and both kinds of property 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Tully 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 Galway.
Origin & History of the Tully Family in Ireland
The family name Tully has deep roots in the west of Ireland, particularly within the rugged landscape of County Galway. The name is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Ó Maoltuile, which translates to a descendant of a devotee of the will of God. By the year 1645, the family was well established in the region, often serving as hereditary physicians to the powerful O'Flaherty chieftains. This role as medical practitioners granted the family a respected status in Gaelic society, as they held specialized knowledge of herbal remedies and traditional healing practices. As the political landscape of Ireland shifted throughout the seventeenth century, the Tully family maintained their presence in Galway despite the many social upheavals of the era. Their history reflects the broader experience of many Irish families who preserved their cultural identity and professional traditions through generations of change.
Tully Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Tuathal
Old Irish name meaning people ruler or folk ruler.
This name
TullyAn Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname meaning descendant of the people ruler.
also spelled
Tullie
Tulle
Tull
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, 1874
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Archive Centre, Parish Registers of Cumberland, 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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wolfReward from long service and hard work
