A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Drue family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9892 · 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 Drue Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Drue arms are recorded
The Drue 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 Drue 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 Drue Family in England
The family name Drue has deep roots in the English county of Devon, where members of the family were firmly established by the early seventeenth century. The name itself likely evolved from the Old French word dru, which was a term of endearment meaning a friend or a lover. During the Middle Ages, such descriptive nicknames were frequently adopted as permanent surnames as people moved into towns and needed to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. By the year 1620, the Drue family was well integrated into the local social fabric of Devon, participating in the agricultural and community life that defined the region during the reign of King James I. While the family name remained relatively rare, its presence in parish registers and local legal documents from this era shows that they were active contributors to the development of southwestern England. These early ancestors helped shape the identity of their local parishes through their work, their marriages, and their recorded presence in the historical landscape of the West Country.
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 Drue Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Drue arms are recorded
The Drue 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 Drue 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 Drue Family in Ireland
The history of the Drue family in Ireland begins with records confirming their presence in Dublin as early as 1426. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, serving as the primary hub for the English administration in Ireland. Families like the Drues were often involved in the urban life of the city, working as merchants, craftsmen, or local officials who helped manage the growing economy of the medieval capital. Because the name appears in city records during the fifteenth century, it suggests that the family was well-established among the urban population. They likely navigated the complex social and political landscape of the Pale, which was the area around Dublin under direct control of the English crown. Over time, the family name became part of the diverse cultural fabric of Dublin, reflecting the movement of people and families across the Irish Sea during the late Middle Ages.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dru
Old French term for a lover or a trusted friend.
This name
DrueA surname derived from a nickname for a beloved companion or sweetheart.
also spelled
Dru
Drue
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1600–1650
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
