A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Floyd family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2066 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sa. au lion ramp. et reg. d'arg.; au chef bastillé d'or, ch. d'une épée au nat. enfilant une couronne à l'antique de gu., entre deux rencontres de tigre au nat. C.: le lion de l'écu, sommé d'une couronne murale de gu. et tenant de ses pattes l'étendard de Tippoo Saïb. D.: PATIENS PULVERIS ATQUE SOLIS.”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1816
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Map of Britain showing where the Floyd arms are recorded
The Floyd arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1816.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in Britain when the Floyd 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Floyd Family in Britain
The surname Floyd is a variant of the Welsh name Lloyd, which originates from the Old Welsh word "llwyd," meaning grey or brown. This name was often used as a descriptive nickname for people with grey hair or a swarthy complexion. As the name moved from Wales into neighboring English regions like Devonshire, the spelling shifted to include the "F" sound, which was a common phonetic evolution in the English dialects of the time. By the early nineteenth century, families carrying the name were well-established in the rural landscapes of Devon. These early members were likely part of the local agricultural or trade communities that defined the region’s economy during the Regency era. Their presence in Devonshire by 1816 reflects the broader movement of Welsh families across the border into England, where they integrated into the local parish systems and contributed to the social fabric of the West Country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
swordJustice, and military honour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. a lion ramp. reguard. ar. on a chief embattled or, a sword erect ppr. pommel and hilt gold, enfiled with an Eastern crown gu. betw. two tigers' faces also ppr”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Floyd arms are recorded
The Floyd arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Floyd 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 Floyd Family in Ireland
The family name Floyd has roots that stretch back to the mid-seventeenth century in Ireland, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, serving as a primary point of entry for families moving between Britain and Ireland. The presence of the Floyd name in the city records suggests that these early settlers were likely involved in the urban economy, perhaps as merchants or skilled tradespeople who helped shape the growing capital. As the family established itself in the region, they became part of the complex social fabric of seventeenth-century Ireland, navigating a time marked by significant migration and shifting loyalties. By settling in a major administrative hub like Dublin, the early Floyds were positioned to participate in the civic and commercial life of the city, leaving a lasting mark on the local history of the area.
Floyd Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Lloyd
Derived from the Welsh word for grey or hoary.
This name
FloydAn Anglicized form of the Welsh surname meaning grey-haired or grey-complexioned.
also spelled
Floyde
Floydd
Floy
Floydde
Related arms
Floïdevariant spelling
Lloydvariant spelling
Lloydevariant spelling
Llwydvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Morgan, T.J. and Morgan, P., Welsh Surnames, 1985
The National Archives, Census Returns of England and Wales, HO 107
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1816
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
