A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Deards family of England.
Reg. 2689 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 bend betw. six mullets sa”
HertfordHertford, c. 1620
Where the Deards Arms Were Recorded
Hertford
Map of England showing where the Deards arms are recorded
The Deards arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
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 Deards 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 Hertford.
Origin & History of the Deards Family in England
The family name Deards is deeply rooted in the historic market town of Hertford, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, Hertford served as a vital hub for trade and local government, and families like the Deards were often integrated into the social and economic fabric of these growing English towns. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, potentially serving as a descriptive nickname or a variation of occupational surnames common in the region. As the family established their presence in Hertfordshire, they contributed to the local community through agriculture, craftsmanship, or trade, which were the primary ways families sustained themselves in the seventeenth century. By remaining in the same geographic area for generations, the Deards family helped shape the local history of Hertford, leaving a lasting mark on the town’s development during a period of significant change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Deor
Old English word meaning dear, beloved, or precious.
This name
DeardsA patronymic or descriptive surname referring to a beloved or cherished individual.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford St Andrew Parish Registers, 1620
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford All Saints Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
