A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bellairs family of England.
Reg. 1046 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per pale gu. and sa. a lion ramp. ar”
LincolnDeeping Fen · Lincoln, c. 1620
Where the Bellairs Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Bellairs arms are recorded
The Bellairs arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Bellairs 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Bellairs Family in England
The surname Bellairs is thought to have originated from the French phrase "belle aire," which translates to beautiful dwelling or pleasant location. This suggests that the family likely took their name from a specific piece of land or a manor they occupied during the medieval period. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the city of Lincoln. Records show that members of the Bellairs family were living in this historic cathedral city by 1620, where they integrated into the local community as tradespeople and landowners. Over time, the family name evolved in spelling, but its roots remained tied to the landscape of England. Their early history reflects the common practice of families adopting names based on the geography of their homes, eventually becoming a recognized part of the social fabric in Lincolnshire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bel air
Old French for beautiful place or fair location.
This name
BellairsA locational surname referring to someone who originated from a beautiful place.
also spelled
Bellayre
Bellere
Bellars
Related arms
Bellarsvariant spelling
Bellerevariant 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, 1991
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
