Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à la fasce brét. et c.-brét. de gu. acc. de trois lions léopardés de sa.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Codding family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à la fasce brét. et c.-brét. de gu. acc. de trois lions léopardés de sa.”

The Codding arms were recorded in New-York, 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.
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.
The family name Codding finds its early roots in the rugged landscape of Bretagne, France, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1725. During this period, the region was defined by a strong maritime culture and a distinct linguistic heritage that set it apart from the rest of the country. Families living in this coastal area often worked in trades related to the sea, such as fishing, shipbuilding, or coastal commerce. The name itself likely evolved from local dialects spoken in western France, reflecting the specific sounds and naming traditions of the Breton people. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, participating in the parish life and agricultural cycles that dominated life in the eighteenth century. By remaining in this region, the early Coddings contributed to the long history of a province known for its resilience and deep connection to its ancestral lands.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Gu. a cross or, fretty az. betw. four trefoils slipped of the second”

The Codding arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1656.
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 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.
The family name Codding has a distinct presence in Irish history that traces back to the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were living in Dublin by 1656, a period defined by significant social and political upheaval in the city. During this era, Dublin served as a central hub for trade and administration, attracting individuals from various backgrounds who sought new opportunities within the urban landscape. As the family established themselves in the capital, they became part of the city’s evolving demographic tapestry. While the name is not as common as others found in the region, its presence in early modern Dublin suggests that the Coddings were integrated into the local community during a time of great transition. By maintaining a foothold in the city, the family contributed to the long history of migration and settlement that shaped the character of Dublin throughout the following centuries.
Derived from the Germanic personal name Coda meaning bold or brave.

