A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Adger family of England.
Reg. 8420 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Az. on a fesse ar. three water bougets sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Adger Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Adger arms are recorded
The Adger arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Adger 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 England.
Origin & History of the Adger Family in England
The Adger family name has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Adgers were often integrated into the local economy as merchants or skilled tradespeople. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots in Northern England, reflecting the way surnames were often formed from personal nicknames or descriptions of a person’s trade and local identity. By settling in a major urban hub like York, the early Adgers were positioned at the heart of English social and economic life during the seventeenth century. Their presence in the city archives suggests they were established residents who contributed to the growth and daily operations of the region during a time of significant change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eadgar
Old English elements meaning rich or blessed and spear.
This name
AdgerA patronymic surname derived from the Old English personal name meaning wealthy spearman.
also spelled
Adgar
Adgare
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
