A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Adlard family of England.
Reg. 0574 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wolfReward from long service and hard work
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a fesse gu. betw. three wolves' heads erased sa. as many mullets of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Adlard Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Adlard arms are recorded
The Adlard 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 Adlard 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 Adlard Family in England
The surname Adlard is rooted in ancient Germanic naming traditions, originating from the Old English name Aethelheard, which translates to noble and hardy. Over many centuries, this name evolved through various spellings as it passed through generations in England. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Adlard family were well-established residents of York. During this period, families in northern England often lived in close-knit communities where they worked as skilled tradespeople or local landowners. The presence of the family in York suggests they were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city’s commerce and social life during the early seventeenth century. As the family grew, they helped carry the name forward through the shifting landscapes of English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelheard
Old English elements meaning noble and hardy or brave.
This name
AdlardA surname derived from a personal name signifying a noble and courageous individual.
also spelled
Adlerd
Adlert
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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
wolfReward from long service and hard work
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wolfReward from long service and hard work
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
