The Woulfe Coat of Arms

 

This is the modern coat of arms you'll find on websites selling Coat of Arms coffee cups and t-shirts. It's actually quite accurate.

 

"Per fess argent and azure, in chief on a mount vert in front of an oak tree a wolf passant both proper, in base two salmon naiant barways in pale argent." Motto, Cuileán Uasal, i.e. The Noble Wolf.Crest: A stork wings elevated sable.

 

   It's almost identical to a 15th century version pictured in John P. Woulfe's "Woulfe, a Family History."

John found that it was first registered by Thomas Woulfe in 1476. One source says the Fish may refer to the family owning fishing rights on Shannon river. The translation of "Coilean Uasal" that came with the coat of arms says it means "Noble Wolf". Sean DeBhulb tells me a "Dinneens Dictionary" translates it as "Enchanted Whelp". (Magic puppy?...Mw) There is one other version of the Coat of arms that is identical in appearance but has the motto: Fides in Adversis. I can't explain the difference. One other note as far as these images. They're almost ringers for one my mom bought for my grandfather about 35 years ago. She sent off 50 bucks to Ireland for an enameled copper coat of arms plaque mounted on a wooden shield. It also has the Woulfe family moto...."Coilean Uasal." The plaque is now hanging in my office.

***

   There is also a coat of arms for "English" Woulfes. It features 3 red Wolf Heads. I'll dig up a picture sooner or later.

Paul MacCotter found this Heraldic description for the Kildare Woulfes Coat of arms... Ar. three wolves' heads erased sa. ducally gorged or. Crest, A wolfs head erases sa. ducally gorged or.