A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aylward family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3282 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
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)
“Az. a fleur-de-lis betw. in the dexter chief and sinister base an estoile, and in sinister chief and dexter base an increscent or”
KilkennyShankill Castle · Kilkenny, c. 1645
Where the Aylward Arms Were Recorded
Kilkenny
Map of Ireland showing where the Aylward arms are recorded
The Aylward arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Aylward arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Aylward Family in Ireland
The Aylward family name has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within the county of Kilkenny, where the family established a significant presence by the mid-seventeenth century. The name is of Anglo-Norman origin, arriving in Ireland during the period of the Norman expansion in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. Over the following generations, the family integrated into the local landscape and became prominent landowners in the southeast of the country. By 1645, the Aylwards were well-established members of the landed gentry in Kilkenny, holding substantial estates and playing an active role in the social and political life of the region. Their history reflects the broader experience of many Norman families who settled in Ireland, eventually blending their ancestral traditions with the culture of their new home while maintaining their status through land ownership and local influence.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 saltire az. betw. four griffins' heads erased gu. a leopard's face betw. four lozenges or”
SuffolkSuffolk, c. 1620
Where the Aylward Arms Were Recorded
Suffolk
Map of England showing where the Aylward arms are recorded
The Aylward arms were recorded in Suffolk, c. 1620.
Suffolk was wool country, and its cloth towns were among the wealthiest in England. Clothier families bought manors with their profits, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat of 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 Ireland when the Aylward 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 Suffolk.
Origin & History of the Aylward Family in England
The name Aylward originates from the Old English personal name Æthelweard, which translates to noble guardian. By the time the family was firmly established in Suffolk during the early 17th century, the name had evolved from a given name into a hereditary surname used to identify specific lineages. During this period, families in Suffolk were often deeply connected to the local agricultural economy and the growing influence of the wool trade. Records from 1620 suggest that the Aylwards were part of a settled population that contributed to the social and economic fabric of East Anglia. As the name transitioned through generations, it became a marker of local identity for families living in the rural parishes of the region. This history reflects the broader movement of English surnames becoming fixed during the late Middle Ages and early modern era as families put down roots in specific counties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelweard
Old English elements meaning noble and guardian or protector.
This name
AylwardDerived from an Anglo-Saxon personal name signifying a noble guardian of the people.
also spelled
Ayleward
Related arms
Alderfordsimilar arms
Alfordsimilar arms
Alvardesimilar arms
Aylewardvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Carrigan, William. The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory. 1905
Curtis, Edmund. A History of Medieval Ireland. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey of the County of Kilkenny. 1654–1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
