A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Agard family of England.
Reg. 0013 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three boars' heads erased sa. langued gu. armed or”
LancashireLancashire, c. 1620
Where the Agard Arms Were Recorded
Lancashire
Map of England showing where the Agard arms are recorded
The Agard arms were recorded in Lancashire, c. 1620.
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 Agard 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 Lancashire.
Origin & History of the Agard Family in England
The surname Agard is rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England, likely originating as a descriptive nickname or a locational identifier. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a clear presence in the county of Lancashire, as evidenced by records dating back to 1620. During this period, families in Lancashire were often deeply involved in the local agricultural economy and the growing textile trade that defined the region. As the Agard family settled into these communities, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, living through a time of significant religious and political change. Their presence in Lancashire suggests that they were part of the local yeomanry or merchant classes who helped shape the development of the county during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Agardus
A Latinized form derived from the Germanic elements meaning edge and brave.
This name
AgardAn occupational or descriptive name referring to a guardian or someone with a sharp, courageous nature.
also spelled
Agart
Aggart
Related arms
Addisonrecorded with Agard, same area
Baterecorded with Agard, same area
Gillrecorded with Agard, same area
Playnerecorded with Agard, same area
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
Lancashire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers, 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
