A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dru family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5533 · 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 Dru Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Dru arms are recorded
The Dru 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 Dru 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 Dru Family in England
The family name Dru has deep roots in the English landscape, appearing in historical records as early as the 17th century. By 1620, members of the family were firmly established in the county of Devon, a region known for its rugged coastline and strong agricultural traditions. During this period, the name was often associated with local landholders and families who played a role in the daily life of their rural parishes. While the name itself may have evolved from older linguistic roots, its presence in Devon suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the West Country. These early settlers lived through a time of significant change in England, and their survival in historical documents provides a glimpse into the lives of families who helped shape the local identity of their communities over many generations.
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 Dru Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Dru arms are recorded
The Dru 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 Dru 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 Dru Family in Ireland
The family name Dru has deep roots in the urban landscape of medieval Ireland, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1426. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the Drus were often part of the emerging merchant class that helped shape the city’s economy. The name itself is thought to have arrived in Ireland through the movement of people across the Irish Sea, likely originating from connections to Norman or French-speaking settlers who moved into the British Isles and eventually Ireland. As the family established themselves in the capital, they became integrated into the social and civic life of the city. Their presence in 15th-century records suggests they were active participants in the urban growth of Dublin, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who contributed to the local community over many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Drogo
Derived from the Old Germanic word for ghost or phantom.
This name
DruA surname originating from a Norman personal name signifying a carrier or phantom.
also spelled
Dru
Drue
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, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 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
