Map of England showing where the Blizzard arms are recorded
The Blizzard 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 Blizzard 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 Blizzard Family in England
The surname Blizzard is believed to have originated in England, where it functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with a sharp or biting personality. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the city of York, as evidenced by records from 1620. At this time, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. While the name likely evolved from regional dialects and local speech patterns, it eventually became a fixed identifier for those living in northern England. By settling in such a prominent historical city, the early members of the Blizzard family became part of the long-standing social fabric of the region.
Blizzard Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Blyssard
Old French term for a pale or fair-complexioned person.
This name
BlizzardAn occupational or descriptive name for someone with a pale or light-colored complexion.
also spelled
Blisard
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Parish Registers of York
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
