A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Friend family of England.
Reg. 1732 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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. a chev. erm. betw. three bucks' heads cabossed ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Friend Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Friend arms are recorded
The Friend 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 England when the Friend 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 Friend Family in England
The surname Friend is rooted in the Old English word *freond*, which originally served as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their kind or peaceful nature. By the time the name began to solidify into a hereditary family identifier, it was often used to distinguish individuals who were considered reliable companions or helpful neighbors within their local communities. Records confirm that members of the Friend family were established in the city of York by 1620, a time when the region was a bustling hub of trade and social change. During this period, families often settled in specific urban centers to pursue crafts or commerce, and the name likely helped these early residents maintain a reputation for trustworthiness in their professional and social dealings. As the family grew, they became part of the long history of northern England, carrying a name that reflected the values of friendship and community connection that were highly prized in seventeenth-century society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
freond
Old English word meaning a person whom one knows and likes.
This name
FriendA descriptive nickname for a person who was known to be friendly or a companion.
also spelled
Freind
Frend
Fryend
Related arms
Frendvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
