A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gaire family of England.
Reg. 1843 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. a fleur-de-lis sa. a chief of the last”
EnglandLondon, c. 1647
Where the Gaire Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Gaire arms are recorded
The Gaire arms were recorded in London, c. 1647.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Gaire 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 Gaire Family in England
The family name Gaire has roots that trace back to the bustling streets of seventeenth-century London. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established residents of the city by 1647, a time when London was a center of intense political and social change. During this era, the name appeared in official documents that tracked the lives of merchants and citizens living in the heart of the capital. These early Gaires were part of a growing urban middle class that helped shape the economy and daily life of the city. While the name is not as common as others, its presence in early modern London suggests that the family was well-integrated into the professional and civic circles of the time. By studying these early records, we can see how the family navigated the challenges of a rapidly developing society while leaving a lasting mark on the historical landscape of England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gair
Derived from the Old Norse word geirr meaning a spear.
This name
GaireA topographical or descriptive name for a person who was short or lived near a triangular piece of land.
also spelled
Gayer
Gayerre
Related arms
Gayervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England parish registers, 1538–1812
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1384–1858
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
