A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Adames family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 8303 · Welsh, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. a martlet ar. Another coat—Quarterly, 1st and 4th, sa. two martlets ar.; 2nd, sa. five martlets in saltire ar.; 3rd, sa. a lion ramp. within a bordure engr. or. (”
PembrokePaterchurch · Pembroke, c. 1422
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Map of Wales showing where the Adames arms are recorded
The Adames arms were recorded in Pembroke, c. 1422.
Pembrokeshire was settled from England early enough to be called Little England beyond Wales. Its landed families were Norman in origin and held their ground for centuries, which is what put them in the records.
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 Wales in this period.
Henry V of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry V of England
1413–1422
Reigning in Wales when the Adames arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Pembroke.
Origin & History of the Adames Family in Wales
The family name Adames has deep roots in the coastal landscape of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where records confirm members of the family were established as early as 1422. During this period, the name functioned as a patronymic, meaning it evolved from the given name Adam to identify a person as the son or descendant of an ancestor by that name. Living in the region of Pembroke, these early families likely participated in the unique cultural blend of the area, which was known as Little England beyond Wales due to its long history of Norman and Flemish influence. As the name transitioned from a descriptive reference into a fixed surname, the Adames family became part of the local social fabric, likely working in agriculture or trade within the bustling port towns of the Welsh coast. Over the following centuries, the family name solidified its presence in the region, reflecting the gradual shift toward hereditary naming conventions that defined late medieval Welsh society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Erm. three cats-a-mountain in pale az”
NorthamptonCharwelton · Northampton, c. 1360
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Map of England showing where the Adames arms are recorded
The Adames arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1360.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in Wales when the Adames 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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Adames Family in England
The surname Adames traces its roots to the medieval practice of adopting patronymic names, which were based on the first name of a father or ancestor. In the case of this family, the name evolved from the given name Adam, which was a popular choice in England following the Norman Conquest. By the year 1360, records confirm that members of the Adames family were established in Northampton. During this period, Northampton was a significant center for trade and leather production, suggesting that early family members likely participated in the growing urban economy of the East Midlands. As the family grew, the spelling of the name shifted from simple variations like Adam or Adams to the specific form of Adames. This transition reflects the broader linguistic changes occurring in Middle English as families sought to distinguish their specific lineage within local parish and tax records.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 heart between three cross crosslets fitchée or”
CavanNorthlands · Cavan, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Adames arms are recorded
The Adames arms were recorded in Cavan, c. 1645.
Cavan was drumlin and lake country on the edge of Ulster, planted in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took formal grants, and formal grants were recorded with 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 Wales when the Adames 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 Cavan.
Origin & History of the Adames Family in Ireland
The family name Adames has deep roots in the Irish landscape, particularly within the northern county of Cavan. By the year 1645, records confirm that members of the Adames family were already established residents in this region. During the mid-seventeenth century, Ireland was undergoing significant political and social upheaval, which often forced families to relocate or solidify their presence on specific parcels of land. The presence of the Adames name in Cavan during this period suggests that the family was part of the local community during a time of great transition. As they settled into the rural environment of Cavan, these early family members contributed to the local economy and social fabric of the area. Their ability to maintain a presence in the region during such a turbulent era highlights the resilience and adaptability of the early Adames line in Ireland.
Adames Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Adam
Hebrew term meaning earth or to be red.
This name
AdamesA patronymic surname signifying son of Adam.
also spelled
Adamz
Adamson
Adames
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Charles, B. G., The Place-Names of Pembrokeshire, 1992
National Library of Wales, Pembrokeshire Records of the Great Sessions, 1422
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
