A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Baret family of England.
Reg. 6496 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 chief indented ar. three escallops of the first (another, within a bordure az.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Baret Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Baret arms are recorded
The Baret 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 Baret 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 Baret Family in England
The surname Baret has deep roots in medieval England, emerging as a descriptive name that likely identified a person’s trade or physical traits. By the early 17th century, members of the Baret family were well-established residents of York, a city with a long history as a northern administrative and religious hub. In 1620, these individuals were part of a society transitioning through significant social and economic changes in Northern England. Living in York during this period meant the family was likely involved in the city’s vibrant merchant guilds or local craft industries, which were the backbone of the regional economy. As they navigated the challenges of life in a major provincial center, the Baret family contributed to the local community through their work and daily interactions. Their presence in York reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the urban landscape of England before the era of colonial expansion.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Barat
Old French term meaning a trick, deceit, or exchange.
This name
BaretA nickname for a person who was considered a deceiver or a crafty trader.
also spelled
Barrette
Related arms
Barrettsimilar arms
Barrettevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Barber, Henry, British Family Names: Their Origin and Meaning, 1903
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Reaney, P.H., 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
