Map of England showing where the Burdett arms are recorded
The Burdett arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1619.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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 Burdett 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Burdett Family in England
The Burdett family name has deep roots in the English landscape, with early records placing the lineage firmly within the county of Leicestershire. By the year 1619, historical documentation confirms that members of the family were well-established residents of this region. The name itself is believed to be of Old French origin, likely arriving in England following the Norman Conquest. It was often used as a descriptive nickname, possibly derived from a word meaning a small bird or a young person. Over the centuries, the Burdetts became integrated into the local social fabric, often serving as landowners and participants in the civic life of the East Midlands. Their presence in Leicestershire during the early seventeenth century reflects a long period of settlement that helped shape the identity of the family within the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Az. two bars or, on the first two martlets sa”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Burdett arms are recorded
The Burdett arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Burdett arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Burdett Family in Ireland
The Burdett family name arrived in Ireland as part of the broader movement of English settlers during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a central hub for administration and trade during a period of significant political upheaval. These early Burdetts likely integrated into the professional and merchant classes of the capital, navigating the complex social landscape of a country undergoing rapid transformation. Over the following decades, the family expanded their presence beyond the city, gradually becoming part of the landed gentry in various Irish counties. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined this era, as families moved across the Irish Sea to build new lives and secure their status in a changing society.
Burdett Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
burde
Old French term for a bird or a jesting person.
This name
BurdettA nickname for a lively person or someone resembling a small bird.
also spelled
Burdete
Related arms
Wriallie, or Wrileysame arms
Handleyrecorded with Burdett, same area
Randerecorded with Burdett, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Nichols, John, The History and Antiquities of the County of Leicester, 1795
The National Archives, Visitations of the County of Leicester, 1619, Reference: MS Harl. 1189
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
