Map of Britain showing where the Clift arms are recorded
The Clift arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Clift 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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Clift Family in Britain
The surname Clift is a topographical name, which means it was originally given to people based on the landscape where they lived. In Old English, the word "clif" referred to a steep slope, a riverbank, or a cliffside. Families who took this name likely lived near a prominent ridge or a jagged incline in the countryside. By the year 1700, the Clift family had established a clear presence in the county of Kent. During this period, Kent was a hub of agricultural activity and trade, and families often remained in the same rural parishes for generations. Because the name describes a specific type of terrain, it likely emerged independently in several different parts of Britain where the geography matched the description. Over time, the spelling shifted from early variations to the modern version we recognize today as these families moved through the English landscape.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Chequy or and gu. over all a bend erm”
Englandc. 1376
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Clift arms are recorded
The Clift arms were recorded in England, c. 1376.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in Britain when the Clift 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 Clift Family in England
The surname Clift is a topographical name, which means it was originally given to people based on the landscape where they lived. In Middle English, the word "clift" or "clyft" referred to a steep slope, a riverbank, or a rocky precipice. Families who took this name likely lived near a prominent cliff or a sharp drop in the terrain. By the year 1376, records show that members of the Clift family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and craftsmanship, and families often settled in specific districts near the city walls or the banks of the River Ouse. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, moving from being identified by their surroundings to using the name as a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clif
Old English word for a steep slope or riverbank.
This name
CliftA topographical surname for someone who lived near a cliff or steep precipice.
also spelled
Clyfton
Cliften
Klifton
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, Parish registers of Kent, 1700
Kent History and Library Centre, Archdeaconry of Canterbury probate records, 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
