A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cleere family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7223 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, three chevs. gu”
HerefordEarls · Hereford, c. 1313
Where the Cleere Arms Were Recorded
Hereford
Map of England showing where the Cleere arms are recorded
The Cleere arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1313.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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.
Edward II of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward II of England
1307–1327
Reigning in England when the Cleere 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Cleere Family in England
The family name Cleere has roots that stretch back to the medieval period in England, with early records confirming the presence of the family in the county of Hereford by 1313. The name is generally believed to be a descriptive surname, likely derived from the Middle English word "cler," which meant bright, clear, or fair. In the fourteenth century, such names were often given as nicknames to individuals who were known for their cheerful personality or perhaps their fair physical appearance. As the family established itself in the West Midlands, they likely lived as local landowners or tradespeople who participated in the growing economy of the region. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved as it was passed down through generations, reflecting the way local clerks and officials recorded the sounds of the name in parish registers and tax documents. By settling in Hereford, the early members of the family became part of the social fabric of a significant border town, helping to shape the history of the area during the late Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 chief az. three crosses pattée fitchée of the field”
PembrokePembroke, c. 1647
Where the Cleere Arms Were Recorded
Pembroke
Map of Wales showing where the Cleere arms are recorded
The Cleere arms were recorded in Pembroke, c. 1647.
Pembrokeshire was settled from England early enough to be called Little England beyond Wales. Its landed families were Norman in origin and held their ground for centuries, which is what put them in the records.
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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Cleere arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Pembroke.
Origin & History of the Cleere Family in Wales
The family name Cleere has deep roots in the coastal landscape of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where records confirm the family was well-established by 1647. During this period, Pembrokeshire served as a vital maritime hub, and families like the Cleeres were often involved in the local agricultural or trade networks that defined the region. The name likely evolved from early linguistic traditions in the area, reflecting the way local officials recorded surnames during a time of shifting administrative practices. Living in a county known for its mix of Welsh and English cultural influences, the early Cleeres were part of a community that navigated the complex social changes of the seventeenth century. Their presence in the historical record during this era suggests they were settled, land-holding, or active members of the local parish, contributing to the long-standing history of the Welsh coast.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ermineDignity and rank
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
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)
“Or, three chevronels ermines”
Irelandc. 1639
Where the Cleere Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Cleere arms are recorded
The Cleere arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1639.
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 Cleere 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 Cleere Family in Ireland
The surname Cleere has deep roots in Irish history, particularly within the urban landscape of Dublin. While the name is often associated with the broader Gaelic and Anglo-Norman influences in Ireland, official records confirm that members of the Cleere family were firmly established in Dublin by 1639. During this period, the city served as a vital center for trade and administration, attracting families who often held roles in local commerce or civic life. The presence of the family in the capital during the seventeenth century suggests they were part of the growing middle class that navigated the complex social and political shifts of the era. Over time, the family name became integrated into the local fabric of the region, reflecting the movement and settlement patterns common to families living in Ireland during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clarus
Latin term meaning clear, bright, or famous.
This name
CleereA descriptive occupational or nickname for a person who was bright, famous, or clear-headed.
also spelled
Claree
Clair
Clere
Cleere
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, 1991
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for Herefordshire, E 179/117/3, 1313
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
