Map of England showing where the Gad arms are recorded
The Gad arms were recorded in Cruxton, 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 Gad 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 Gad Family in England
The surname Gad carries a history that reaches back to the early seventeenth century in the city of York. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within this historic northern English hub. The name itself is thought to have roots as a topographic or occupational descriptor, often linked to the Old Norse word "gaddr," which referred to a sharp point or a spike. In the context of medieval naming practices, this might have described someone who lived near a pointed landmark or perhaps a person who worked with metal tools. As the family settled in York, they became part of the vibrant social and economic life of a city defined by its Roman foundations and its importance as a center for trade and religion. Over time, the family name became a permanent fixture in the local community, reflecting the steady growth and movement of families in Northern England during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gad
A Hebrew term meaning fortune or luck.
This name
GadAn English habitational or occupational surname derived from biblical origins signifying good fortune.
also spelled
Gode
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains’ Account Rolls, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
