Heraldry reference materials The tomb of Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou (died 1151) is the first recorded example of hereditary armory in Europe. The same shield shown here is found on the tomb effigy of his grandson, William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury. Heraldry & the Parts of a Coat of Arms From fleur-de-lis.com Here are some charts from Irish surnames.com, but you can look up more specific information for you by searching “charges” and the words that allude to your ancestors’ backgrounds and cultures, if you prefer. Also try: http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/heraldry/charges/crowns.html for a good reference source on charges. THE COLORS ON COATS OF ARMS Color Meaning Image Generosity Or (Gold) Argent (Silver or White) Sincerity, Peace Justice, Sovereignty, Purpure (Purple) Regal Warrior, Martyr, Military Gules (Red) Strength Azure (Blue) Strength, Loyalty Vert (Green) Hope, loyalty in love Sable (Black) Constancy, Grief Tenne or Tawny (Orange) Worthwhile Ambition Sanguine or Murray Victorious, Patient in Battle (Maroon) LINES ON COATS OF ARMS Name Meaning Image Irish Example Clouds or Air Nebuly Line Wavy Line Sea or Water Gillespie Embattled Fire, Town-Wall Patterson Line Engrailed Earth, Land Feeney Line Invecked Earth, Land Rowe Line Indented Fire Power Line HERALDIC BEASTS Name Meaning Image Irish Example Fierce Courage. In Ireland the Lion represented the 'lion' season, Lawlor Lion prior to the full arrival of Dillon Summer. The symbol can Condon also represent a great Warrior or Chief. Tiger Fierceness and valour Of Regal origin, one of high nature. In Ireland the Fish is associated with the legend of Fionn who became the first to Roche Fish taste the 'salmon of knowledge'. The Celtic O'Neill 'Otherworld' was often a place of water, a lake or sea, where would dwell Gods represented by fish. Bear Fierce Protection McKee Perseverance in siege or Callaghan Wolf effort Wilson Wheeler Leopard Valiant and enduring warrior Price Rice O'Halloran Horse Readiness for duty Rush Bull Valour and magnanimity Buckley Fierce fighter, fights to the death. In Ireland the boar is one of the most popular charges. Hanley Boar The meat of the boar was considered to be food of the Sweeney Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in battle as a charm against injury. Pierce Boars Head Hospitality Healy Conies (Hares Peace-loving Gaffney and Rabbits) Fox Wise defence, wisdom Dog (Talbot, Allen Courage, fidelity, loyalty Greyhound) Gaffney Dolphin Affection, charity O'Regan Tortoise Invulnerability Conlon Valiant soldier - to the death, Vigilance. In Ireland the worship of the Lowe Griffin sun in pre-Christian times was often represented by the Griffin Griffin. It later became a symbol of gold - 'yellow light'. Dragon Valiant defender McGillycuddy Skillful, Politic, lover of harmony. Stag, Buck or In Ireland the Stag was one of Green Deer the most ancient of charges Hennessy and was regarded as the most handsome. The Stag represents the very ancestors of the Celtic race. Wisdom. In Ireland the Snake was a symbol of fertility and Donovan Snake. renewal, and also, because of Hayes its forked tongue, was O'Dea associated with lightning and the sun. One who has been disposessed of land. Sign for McGill fourth son. Martlet/Swallow In Ireland the Martlett was the McCoy bird of perpetual movement. Protector, a person of action, noble nature, power, strength. In Ireland the eagle, along with other birds, was Harrison Eagle regarded as one of the Dunne 'demons of the air' and was thus a very popular and powerful charge. Peacock Beauty, pride A musical person, poetry, harmony In Ireland the Swan was Swan regarded as the bird that bore Sinnott the spirit of a dead Celtic Chieftain sway to the next life. Love, Peace. Dove In Ireland the Dove was regarded as the bird of God. Successful commander, one Ellis Escallop Shell who has made long journeys Graham Heart Sincerity, truthfulness, charity Adams Faith, sincerity, justice In Ireland the open hand was Cullen Hand often used as a means of communicating through the Mangan ancient language known as 'Ogham'. The open hand may have also signified the sun. The mark of a Baronet. In Ireland the open red hand Breen Red Hand is often a symbol of the McKeown Province of Ulster.<> Arm An industrious person Smith Arm with McNally A person fit for high deeds armour Armstrong Human Head Honour Regal or senior authority, Ward Crown heavenly reward Humphreys Finger Ring or Fitzgibbon Fidelity. Sign of the fifth son. Annulet Young Honesty, constancy, noble Lozenge Lavin birth Anchor Hope Allen Ship, Campbell Lymphad, Hope, a sea-faring tradition McDonald Boat, Galley O'Leary Axe Military duty McCourt Kelly Tower Grandeur, society, wealth O'Shaughnessy Of Christian significance. May Cross also refer to families who Devlin engaged in the Crusades. Cross Moline Eight son Scully Label First son Johnston Cushions A mark of authority Redmond Estoile (a star with wavy God's goodness, superiority Curry points) Mullet (5- Divine quality bestowed by Cunningham pointed Star) God. Sign of the third son. Murray Glory, Splendour, Authority. In Ireland the Celts worshiped the sun as well as other Sun celestial bodies. The Brady invocation of the sun would be the same as invoking truth. Hope of glory, one who has Waldron Crescent been enlightened. Sign of the second son. Mangan A person of high or noble Hunter Hunting Horn pursuits Close Arrows, Arrow- Cooney Military readiness, affliction Heads Hanley Devotion to honour, knightly Spear service Spear- readiness for battle head/Pheons Sharkey Sexton Horse-Shoe Good Luck Ferris A symbol of devotion, victory Maunch/Sleeve Croke in tournament A mark of honour and Chain Kelly obligation Kennedy Helmet Wise defence Traynor Torch Zealousness, a signal service Smith if open: Manifestation, if Book closed: Counsel King Passion Nails Poignant suffering Logan Bell Power to disperse evil Porter A longer dictionary from Fleur de Lis follows: or... What does it mean if your coat of arms bears a red boar's head? The pieces of artwork shown on this page are available individually for US$ 10.00 each. Please note that the following descriptions and meanings are gleaned from a variety of sources, some of which disagree on those meanings. The most commonly accepted meanings are given, but scholars vary in the their opinions concerning the reliability of any "commonly held" historic meanings for coats of arms and crests. For examples of the different positions for heraldic animals, see our "Sample Lions In Heraldry" page. COLORS Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms: Gold (Or) Generosity and elevation of the mind Silver or Peace and sincerity White (Argent) Red (Gules) Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity Blue (Azure) Truth and loyalty Green (Vert) Hope, joy, and loyalty in love Black (Sable) Constancy or grief Purple Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice (Purpure) Orange Worthy ambition (Tawny or Tenne) Maroon Patient in battle, and yet victorious (Sanguine or Murray) (Popular Ways of Dividing Shields Shown Here) FURS The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented. Ermine White with black spots. Erminois Gold with black spots. Ermines Black with white spots. Pean Black with gold spots. Vair Blue and white bell-shaped objects. Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries: Nebuly Clouds or air Line Wavy Sea or water Line Engrailed Earth or land Line Invected Earth or land Line Indented Fire Line Dancette Water Line Raguly Difficulties that have been encountered Line Embattled Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire) Line The following are some of the more common heraldic symbols and their meanings as suggested by some historians: Acacia Branch or Leaves Eternal and affectionate remembrance Acorn Antiquity and strength. Labouring in the earth and depending upon Agricultural Tools providence; see also Scythe and Sickle Alisaunder (Similar to laurel) Peace and/or triumph. Allerion (Mythical creature, similar to Strength of will and an eagle, but without beak or claws) authority of mind. Hope; religious steadfastness Anchor Angels Dignity, glory, and (See Sample Angels) honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news Annulet Fidelity (finger ring) Ant Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairs A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn, a tusk at Antelope (heraldic) the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs (usually represented with two straight horns serrated on one side) Antlers Strength and fortitude Anvil Honour; emblem of the smith's trade Apple Liberality, felicity, and peace Arm (or Hand) in Armour or A person with qualities of leadership Embowed Arm, Naked An industrious person Arrow or Dart Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction Ass Patience and humility Execution of military duty Axe (Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet) Baguette (gem ring) Fidelity See Banners Banderole Banners (See banderole) Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service Bar, Barry, or Barrulet "One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to Guillim Barry Wavy Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea) Bat Awareness of the powers of darkness and chaos. Baton Token of authority Battle Axe (See Axe) Execution of military duty Bay Leaves Poet or victor's laurel One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger Beacon (Also Lantern or Lighthouse) Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred Bear Industry and perseverance Beaver Efficient industry Bee Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war Bells Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or Bend/Bendy protection Berries Liberality, felicity, and peace Bezant/Byzantine Coin Worthy of trust of (Also Besant; Gold Roundle) treasure.