A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ayliffe family of England.
Reg. 8284 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 chev. engr. sa. betw. three stars gu. streaming on the dexter side downwards in bend or, as many bucks' faces of the field”
WiltsLondon · Wilts, c. 1620
Where the Ayliffe Arms Were Recorded
Wilts
Map of England showing where the Ayliffe arms are recorded
The Ayliffe arms were recorded in Wilts, c. 1620.
Wiltshire was sheep country, and wool made money steadily for hundreds of years. Families who made it bought manors on the downs, and holding a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Ayliffe 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 Wilts.
Origin & History of the Ayliffe Family in England
The surname Ayliffe is rooted in Old English origins, evolving from the personal name Aethelgifu, which translates to noble gift. By the time the family became established in the county of Wiltshire during the early seventeenth century, the name had settled into its modern spelling. Historical records confirm that members of the Ayliffe family were prominent residents of Wiltshire by 1620, where they often worked as landowners and local officials. During this era, families with this name were deeply integrated into the rural economy and social structure of the English countryside. The name reflects a long history of settlement in the West Country, where the family maintained a consistent presence through generations of agricultural and community life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelgifu
Old English elements meaning noble and gift.
This name
AyliffeA surname derived from the Old English female given name meaning noble gift.
also spelled
Aylif
Related arms
Ayloffesimilar arms
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
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
