A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Carew family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 2415 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“une antelope pass. de gu. S.: deux antelopes de gu. D.: NIL ADMIRARI.”
Francec. 1725
Where the Carew Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Carew arms are recorded
The Carew arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Carew arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Carew Family in France
The history of the Carew name in France is deeply tied to the rugged landscape and unique cultural identity of the Brittany region. By the early eighteenth century, members of the family were well-established in this area, which served as a vital crossroads between French and Celtic traditions. During this period, the family lived in a society defined by local parish life and the strict social structures of the Ancien Régime. Records from 1725 confirm their presence in Brittany, suggesting that the family had integrated into the local community as landowners or tradespeople. This era was a time of significant stability for families in the region, allowing the Carew name to become a recognized part of the local population. Their life in Brittany reflects the broader movement of families who settled in the western provinces of France to build lasting legacies within their parishes.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, or, three lioncels pass. sa.; 2nd, per pale gu. and erm. a saltire counterchanged; 3rd, ar. three eagles displ. gu. ducally crowned or; 4th, quarterly, ar. and gu”
WexfordCastle Boro · Wexford, c. 1645
Where the Carew Arms Were Recorded
Wexford
Map of Ireland showing where the Carew arms are recorded
The Carew arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1645.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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 France when the Carew 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Carew Family in Ireland
The Carew family name arrived in Ireland during the late twelfth century as part of the initial wave of Anglo-Norman settlers. Originally of Welsh and Norman descent, the family established a strong foothold in the southeastern region of the country. By the mid-seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the Carew family were well-established landowners in County Wexford. This period was a time of significant political upheaval in Ireland, and the family often found themselves navigating complex loyalties during the conflicts of the 1640s. Their presence in Wexford during 1645 highlights how the family had integrated into the local social and economic landscape over the preceding four hundred years. Throughout these centuries, the name became deeply tied to the history of the region, evolving from a group of military settlers into a prominent part of the local landed class.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
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)
“Carington, or Smyth (co. Warwick. Visit. Warwick and Leicester, confirmed by the Deputies of Camden, Claren-ceux, to FRANCIS SMYTH, of Wooton, grandson of Sir JOHN SMYTH, and 5th in descent from JOHN CARRINGTON, or SMITH, d. 1446, who was 5th in descent from Sir MICHAEL”
Englandc. 1446
Where the Carew Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Carew arms are recorded
The Carew arms were recorded in England, c. 1446.
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.
Henry VI of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VI of England
1422–1461
Reigning in France when the Carew 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 Carew Family in England
The history of the Carew family in England is deeply rooted in the social and political landscape of the Middle Ages. While the name is often associated with later influence in the southern regions of the country, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York by 1446. During this period, families like the Carews often moved between major urban centers to pursue opportunities in trade, law, or local government. Their presence in a northern hub like York suggests that the family was well-integrated into the professional class of the time. As they moved through different English counties, they adapted to the local customs and economic demands of each region. This mobility helped the family maintain their status and expand their reach across the kingdom over several generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Caren
A Breton place name referring to a fort or castle.
This name
CarewDerived from a location in Brittany, signifying someone who lived near a fortified settlement.
also spelled
Carewe
Careww
Carews
Keroo
Caryw
Related arms
van der Moelensimilar arms
Blackhallrecorded with Carew, same area
Goodridgerecorded with Carew, same area
Hackwillrecorded with Carew, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, 1725
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions, 1725
Meyer, Jean, La noblesse bretonne au XVIIIe siècle, 1966
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
