A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Durnford family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9271 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ramLeadership and authority
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sa. à une tête de bélier coupée d'arg., accornée d'or, languée de gu.”
Britainc. 1700
Where the Durnford Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Durnford arms are recorded
The Durnford arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Durnford arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Durnford Family in Britain
The surname Durnford is a locational name that originated in England, likely derived from a place where a "deer ford" once crossed a river. By the early 18th century, records confirm that members of the Durnford family were well-established in the county of Kent. During this period, families often settled in specific regions for generations, working in local trades or agriculture. Because the name is tied to the physical landscape of the British countryside, it suggests that the earliest ancestors lived near a specific crossing point or a wooded area frequented by wildlife. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Kentish life, contributing to the community through their work and daily interactions in the towns and villages of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
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 wavy sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Durnford Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Durnford arms are recorded
The Durnford 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 Britain when the Durnford 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 Durnford Family in England
The surname Durnford is a locative name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place where an early family lived. The name is composed of two Old English elements: "durn," which likely referred to a thorn bush or a hidden location, and "ford," which described a shallow place in a river that could be crossed on foot. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Durnford family were living in this northern hub during a time of significant social and religious change in England. Because York was a major center for trade and administration, families like the Durnfords were often involved in the local merchant guilds or the civic life of the city. This move toward urban centers suggests that the family was transitioning from rural roots toward the professional and commercial opportunities that defined life in English cities during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dyrne-ford
Old English for hidden or secret river crossing.
This name
DurnfordRefers to a person who lived near a concealed or secluded ford.
also spelled
Durnfort
Durnfurd
Durneford
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Kent Archives, Parish Register Transcripts for Kent, 1700–1750
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ramLeadership and authority
ramLeadership and authority
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
