Map of England showing where the Burleigh arms are recorded
The Burleigh 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 Burleigh 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 Burleigh Family in England
The family name Burleigh is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, originating as a locational surname for those who lived near a "burh," which was an old term for a fortified settlement or hill. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Burleigh family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub. During this era, York served as a vital center for trade and administration, suggesting that the family likely held roles within the local merchant class or the growing urban professional ranks. This period was a time of significant transition in England, and the family’s residence in such a prominent city reflects their integration into the evolving structure of English society before the major migrations to the American colonies began.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert three boars' heads couped ar. armed or”
AntrimCarrigfergus · Antrim, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Burleigh arms are recorded
The Burleigh arms were recorded in Antrim, c. 1645.
Antrim was north-eastern Irish country settled from Scotland in the seventeenth century. The new landowners took formal grants and had them recorded, so their arms are unusually well documented.
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 Burleigh 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 Antrim.
Origin & History of the Burleigh Family in Ireland
The Burleigh family name in Ireland is deeply connected to the historical shifts of the seventeenth century, particularly within County Antrim. By 1645, members of the family were already established in this region, a time when the area was experiencing significant social and demographic changes due to the arrival of settlers from Scotland and England. The name itself is of English origin, typically derived from a place name meaning a meadow or clearing near a fortified town. As these families settled in the northern parts of Ireland, they often integrated into the local agricultural and administrative life of the province. Over the following decades, the Burleighs became part of the complex tapestry of Antrim’s history, contributing to the development of the local communities and the evolving landscape of the region during a period of great political transition.
Burleigh Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
burh and leah
fortified settlement and a woodland clearing or meadow
This name
Burleighderived from a place name referring to a meadow located near a fortified town or castle
also spelled
Burley
Burly
Related arms
Burghly, or Burglyvariant spelling
Burleyvariant spelling
Burlyvariant spelling
Taylourrecorded with Burleigh, same area
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, 1958
Hey, David, The Oxford Guide to Family History, 2002
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
