Armorial Bearings for the Borough of Newtownabbey were designed by Richmond, Herald of Arms, and approved by the Kings of Arms on 4th October, 1976. The rationale of the design is explained as follows:

The Arms

The Abbot’s Mitre refers to the Abbey and so to the name of the Authority. (This abbey at “Whiteabbey” was reputedly founded in the 13th century for White Friars and was attached to Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland. A small ruin existed until 1925, but the remains have now totally disappeared). It is set against a background of green and black, signifying agriculture and industry—the gold being the wealth extracted from them both.

The Crest

The Phoenix is given two heads to signify a second resurrection and is charged with a crozier, another reference to the name of Newtownabbey. The Mural Crown is appropriate for a local authority and the colours of the mantling are those of Northern Ireland and, in any case, fit the colouring of the complete coat of arms.

The Supporters

These represent five prominent families: the red eagle of de Courcy is joined to the black lion of de Burgh, and the black griffen of Grimshaw is joined to the red lion of O’Neill. Each supporter is gorged with a checky collar reflecting the checky field in the arms of Chichester. One supporter rests a paw on a cogwheel, symbol of light industry and the other on a garb, signifying agriculture. It is parted gold and blue as a reference to grain and flax.

The Motto

Multi in Uno Resurgent (Many re-arise as one) is an adaptation of the motto of the former Newtownabbey Urban District Council — Septem in uno surgent (Seven arise as one). These references are to the seven villages, Carnmoney, Glengormley, Jordanstown, Monkstown, Whiteabbey, Whitehouse, Whitewell, which comprised the former Newtownabbey Urban District at the time of its establishment in 1958, and to the greatly extended area administered by the present Council since 1973.