A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bayliff family of England.
Reg. 3628 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a chev. gu. three martlets or, between as many human hearts of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bayliff Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bayliff arms are recorded
The Bayliff 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 Bayliff 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 Bayliff Family in England
The surname Bayliff is an occupational name that originated from the Middle English word "bailif," which referred to a person who managed land or enforced the law on behalf of a nobleman. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Bayliff family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England. Because the name was tied to a specific role in society, it likely emerged in several different locations independently as people took on the title of their profession. Over time, the spelling evolved from early variations like "baili" or "baylyf" into the modern form used today. This transition reflects the way surnames became fixed family identifiers rather than just descriptions of a person's job.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bailiff
A Middle English term for a legal officer or estate manager.
This name
BayliffAn occupational surname originally denoting a person who served as a bailiff or steward for a manor.
also spelled
Bailiff
Bailiffe
Related arms
Bailiffevariant 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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate 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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
