A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burd family of England.
Reg. 9557 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
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 fesse betw. three martlets gu. a rose betw. two fleurs-de-lis, or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Burd Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Burd arms are recorded
The Burd arms were recorded in London, 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 Burd 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 Burd Family in England
The surname Burd has deep roots in England, emerging as a descriptive name that often referred to a person’s character or physical appearance. In Middle English, the word "burd" was frequently used to describe a young woman or a maiden, and it likely functioned as a nickname before becoming a permanent family identifier. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established among the urban population of London. Records from 1620 confirm that families bearing this name were active participants in the city’s growing commercial and social life during the reign of King James I. These early London residents were part of a period of rapid expansion in the capital, where they worked in various trades and contributed to the bustling economy of the era. Over time, the name spread from these urban centers into the surrounding countryside, maintaining its place as a distinct part of English naming history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bird
A small feathered vertebrate animal.
This name
BurdA nickname for a person who resembled a bird or was considered flighty.
also spelled
Bird
Byrd
Related arms
Birdvariant spelling
Byrdvariant spelling
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
The National Archives, London, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
