A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dowding family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7085 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a fleur-de-lis or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dowding Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dowding arms are recorded
The Dowding 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 Dowding 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 Dowding Family in England
The surname Dowding is rooted in the Old English language and likely originated as a patronymic name, meaning it was used to identify a person as the son or descendant of someone named Duda. This name was common in early medieval England and carried a sense of strength or roundedness. By the time the family appeared in official records in York in 1620, they were part of a society that was rapidly changing due to trade and urban growth. During this period, families in northern England often held roles in local commerce or agriculture, helping to build the foundations of the communities where they lived. The presence of the Dowding name in York suggests that the family was well-established in a city that served as a major hub for northern English life. Over the following centuries, the name spread from these regional centers as people moved across the country to seek new opportunities in different trades and industries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 chev. betw. three Cornish choughs gu. as many fleurs-de-lis or”
DublinDublin, c. 1596
Where the Dowding Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Dowding arms are recorded
The Dowding arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1596.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Dowding 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Dowding Family in Ireland
The Dowding family name has roots that trace back to the bustling urban environment of late sixteenth-century Dublin. By 1596, members of the family were already established residents within the city, participating in the social and economic life of the Irish capital during a period of significant political transition. The name itself is thought to be of Anglo-Norman or English origin, likely arriving in Ireland as part of the broader movement of settlers who integrated into the administrative and merchant classes of the Pale. These early Dowdings were often involved in local civic affairs and trade, settling into the fabric of Dublin society as the city grew into a major center of commerce. Over the following generations, the family maintained a presence in the region, reflecting the steady integration of English-speaking families into the historical landscape of early modern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dudda
An Old English personal name derived from the word for foolish.
This name
DowdingA patronymic surname meaning son of the descendant of the foolish one.
also spelled
Dowdyng
Dowdynges
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Yorkshire 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.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
