A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burdette family of Britain.
Reg. 8222 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 palé d'arg. et de sa.; à la bande de gu., br. sur le tout et ch. de trois martinets d'or (Burdett); aux 2 et 3 d'azur au chev. d'or, acc. de trois têtes de lion du même (Wyndham). C.: une tour d'arg., sommée d'un martinet ess. d'or.”
YorkshireYorkshire, c. 1665
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Map of Britain showing where the Burdette arms are recorded
The Burdette arms were recorded in Yorkshire, c. 1665.
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 Britain in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Burdette arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Yorkshire.
Origin & History of the Burdette Family in Britain
The family name Burdette has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the county of Yorkshire by 1665. The name is generally considered to be of nickname origin, likely derived from the Old French word "bourdet," which was used to describe a young bird or a fledgling. During the medieval period, such names were often given to individuals based on their personality or physical traits, and this name eventually became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. By the mid-17th century, families bearing this name were well-integrated into the local communities of Northern England, where they participated in the agricultural and social life of the region. This period of history reflects a time when surnames were becoming firmly fixed, allowing families like the Burdettes to maintain a distinct identity as they moved through the changing social structures of early modern Britain.
Burdette Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
burde
Old French term for a joke or a jest.
This name
BurdetteA nickname for a jester or a person with a playful, humorous disposition.
also spelled
Burdett
Burdet
Burdette
Burdet de Burthwait
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Hearth Tax Returns: Yorkshire, 1665
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
lionCourage, strength and royalty
