A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cleare family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9886 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a fesse az. in the dexter point a lion pass. gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Cleare Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Cleare arms are recorded
The Cleare 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 Cleare 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 Cleare Family in England
The surname Cleare has deep roots in the English landscape, evolving from descriptive nicknames that highlighted a person's bright appearance or clear-headed nature. 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 family were living in this northern hub during a time of significant social and religious transition in England. As residents of York, these early ancestors likely participated in the vibrant trade and civic life of a city that served as a major center for commerce and administration. Over the following decades, the family name spread through various regions, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined life in early modern England. These early generations helped lay the foundation for the family legacy, moving from local prominence in Yorkshire to becoming part of the wider tapestry of English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 fess az. three eagles displ. or”
Irelandc. 1596
Where the Cleare Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Cleare arms are recorded
The Cleare arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1596.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Cleare 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 Cleare Family in Ireland
The history of the Cleare family in Ireland is deeply connected to the urban development of Dublin during the late sixteenth century. By 1596, records confirm that members of the family were established residents within the city, a time when Dublin was transitioning into a major administrative and commercial hub under English influence. The name likely evolved from local occupational or descriptive roots, reflecting the linguistic shifts occurring as English and Irish naming traditions began to blend in the capital. As the family settled into the city, they became part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that defined Dublin’s social structure during the Tudor period. Their presence in the city archives suggests that they were integrated into the civic life of the capital, participating in the economic activities that allowed families to maintain a consistent footprint in the region for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clarus
Latin term meaning clear, bright, or famous.
This name
CleareA locational or descriptive surname denoting a person who was bright, famous, or lived near a clear stream.
also spelled
Cleere
Clere
Related arms
Clerevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Probate Records and Parish Registers, 1620
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
