A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Adey family of England.
Reg. 0942 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. on a bend az. three leopards' faces or”
HertfordHertford, c. 1620
Where the Adey Arms Were Recorded
Hertford
Map of England showing where the Adey arms are recorded
The Adey arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
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 Adey 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 Hertford.
Origin & History of the Adey Family in England
The surname Adey is believed to have originated as a nickname or a derivative of the medieval given name Adam. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the market town of Hertford. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Adey family were active participants in the local community during this period. At that time, Hertford served as an important administrative and trading hub, which likely provided the family with opportunities to engage in local commerce or agriculture. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region. Their history reflects the broader patterns of English families who settled in established towns to build lives through trade and local service.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adam
Hebrew for son of the red earth or man.
This name
AdeyA patronymic surname derived from the medieval personal name Adam, meaning son of Adam.
also spelled
Ady
Adie
Related arms
Adyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
