Map of England showing where the Flood arms are recorded
The Flood 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 Flood 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 Flood Family in England
The surname Flood is a topographical name, meaning it was originally given to people who lived near a specific natural feature. In the case of this family, the name likely identified individuals who resided near a river or a low-lying area prone to flooding. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in the county of Devon, England. Records from 1620 show that members of the family were already settled in this region, where they were likely involved in local agriculture or trade. Because surnames were often passed down based on the landscape of one's home, the name reflects a deep connection to the geography of the English countryside. Over time, families with this name became part of the local fabric of Devon, living and working in the rural communities that defined the area during the Stuart period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert a chev. betw. three wolves' heads erased ar., confirmed temp. Elizabeth, to Sir THOMAS FLUDD, of the co. of Kent”
KilkennyFlood Hall · Kilkenny, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Flood arms are recorded
The Flood arms were recorded in Kilkenny, c. 1645.
Kilkenny was rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, held by Norman families who settled early and stayed. Long holding of good land is exactly what puts a name into the heraldic records.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Flood 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 Kilkenny.
Origin & History of the Flood Family in Ireland
The surname Flood has a deep history in Ireland, particularly within County Kilkenny where the family was well established by the mid-seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with English origins, it became deeply rooted in Irish soil as families settled into the local landscape and integrated into the community. By 1645, records confirm that the Flood family held a significant presence in Kilkenny, a region known for its complex political and social shifts during that era. These early members were likely involved in the agricultural and civic life of the county, navigating the turbulent changes of the time while helping to define the local identity of the area. Over the generations, the family name became synonymous with the history of the region, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that shaped the Irish midlands.
Flood Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
flod
Old English word referring to a flowing body of water or tide.
This name
FloodA topographic name for someone who lived near a river, stream, or tidal area.
also spelled
Fludd
Flud
Flode
Related arms
Fludvariant spelling
Fluddvariant spelling
Fludevariant spelling
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
The National Archives, Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Lay Subsidy Rolls, E 179
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
wolfReward from long service and hard work
