A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Drew family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7201 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
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)
“Erm. a lion pass. gu”
DevonCliff · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Drew Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Drew arms are recorded
The Drew arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Drew 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Drew Family in England
The surname Drew has deep roots in the English landscape, particularly within the county of Devon where the family established a strong presence by the early seventeenth century. The name itself is derived from the Old French name Dreu, which served as a shortened form of the ancient Germanic name Drogo. This name likely arrived in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, as it was a popular choice among the followers of William the Conqueror. Over the following centuries, the name evolved through common usage and local dialects to become the surname we recognize today. By the time members of the family were documented in Devon in 1620, the name had already transitioned from a personal identifier to a stable family name passed down through generations. These early settlers in the West Country were part of a long tradition of families who helped shape the rural and social character of the region during the late Tudor and early Stuart periods.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
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. on a chev. ar. three roses of the field seeded and barbed ppr”
Irelandc. 1426
Where the Drew Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Drew arms are recorded
The Drew arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1426.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Henry VI of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VI of England
1422–1461
Reigning in England when the Drew 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Drew Family in Ireland
The history of the Drew family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the urban development of the medieval period. Records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin by 1426, where they participated in the city’s growing trade and civic life. During this era, the name was often associated with merchants and officials who helped manage the affairs of the Pale, the area surrounding Dublin under English control. As the family became more settled, they expanded their influence beyond the city walls and into the surrounding countryside. Over the following centuries, the Drews became landowners and local leaders, blending into the complex social fabric of Irish society. Their presence in the capital during the early fifteenth century marks them as one of the established families that helped shape the administrative and commercial landscape of medieval Dublin.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dru
Old French term meaning strong, sturdy, or trustworthy.
This name
DrewA surname derived from a medieval given name signifying a courageous or reliable person.
also spelled
Dru
Drue
Related arms
Barough, or Barrowsimilar arms
Westrecorded with Drew, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, A Dictionary of Surnames, 1988
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
