A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ayre family of England.
Reg. 9649 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. on a bend betw. six crosses formée fitchée ar. three mullets sa”
DevonshireWotton · Devonshire, c. 1620
Where the Ayre Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Ayre arms are recorded
The Ayre arms were recorded in Devonshire, 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 Ayre 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Ayre Family in England
The family name Ayre is deeply rooted in the history of southwestern England, with significant records placing the family in the county of Devonshire by the early seventeenth century. The name is generally considered to be topographical, meaning it likely originated from a person who lived near a specific landmark, such as a river or an open area of land. In the dialect of the time, the term often referred to a gravelly bank or a stretch of shoreline. By 1620, families bearing this name were well-established members of the local community in Devonshire, where they participated in the agricultural and maritime activities common to the region. As the name spread through the English countryside, it evolved in spelling based on local pronunciation, yet it maintained its strong connection to the landscape and the families who worked the soil of the West Country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eyre
Old French for heir or successor to an estate.
This name
AyreA topographical name for someone who lived near a sandbank or a gravelly riverbank.
also spelled
Ayer
Aire
Air
Related arms
Earesame arms
Airvariant spelling
Airevariant spelling
Ayervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devonshire, 1600–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
