Map of England showing where the Weakley arms are recorded
The Weakley arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Weakley 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Weakley Family in England
The surname Weakley is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a topographical name for people living near a specific type of clearing or meadow. The name is derived from Old English words that describe a settlement situated in a small or weak pasture, suggesting that the earliest ancestors were likely farmers or laborers who worked the land in rural communities. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in the county of Kent, a region known for its rich agricultural history and proximity to the coastal trade routes of the English Channel. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this area during a time of significant social and economic change in England. These early settlers were part of a long tradition of families who defined their identity through their connection to the local soil and the specific geography of their home parishes.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three crosses crosslet ar. on a chief of the last a stag's head cabossed of the first”
IrelandBallyburly, c. 1623
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Map of Ireland showing where the Weakley arms are recorded
The Weakley arms were recorded in Ballyburly, c. 1623.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Weakley 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 Weakley Family in Ireland
The history of the Weakley family in Ireland begins with records of members living in Dublin as early as 1623. During this period, Dublin was a rapidly changing city that served as the administrative heart of the country. Families like the Weakleys were often part of the merchant or professional classes who moved to the capital to take advantage of the growing trade networks and legal opportunities. Because the name appears in official city records during the early seventeenth century, it suggests that the family was well-established and integrated into the urban life of the Pale. These early settlers likely navigated the complex social and political shifts of the era, which saw Dublin transition from a medieval town into a bustling center of colonial and commercial activity. By maintaining a presence in the capital, the family became part of the long history of migration and settlement that defined the development of Dublin during the seventeenth century.
Weakley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Wic
Old English term for a dwelling, village, or dairy farm.
This name
WeakleyDerived from a locational name referring to someone who lived near a dairy farm or settlement.
also spelled
Wakely
Waykeley
Wakelie
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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1384–1858
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, 1538–1900
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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
