A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clode family of England.
Reg. 5957 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. four lozenges pierced ar. one, two, and one, in chief a label of three points of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Clode Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Clode arms are recorded
The Clode 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 Clode 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 Clode Family in England
The surname Clode is a locative or descriptive name that likely emerged in England during the late medieval period. 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 Clode family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub. During this era, York served as a major center for trade and religious administration, which often attracted families seeking stability and professional opportunities. The name itself is thought to be derived from Old English roots, possibly relating to a person who lived near a specific geographical feature or a patch of cultivated land. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community, leaving traces of their lives in parish registers and municipal documents that highlight their long-standing connection to the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Claude
Derived from the Latin name Claudius meaning lame or crippled.
This name
ClodeA patronymic or locative surname originating from the personal name Claude.
also spelled
Cload
Cloade
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: Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
