A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Garrad family of England.
Reg. 0621 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. two lions ramp. guard. addorsed or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1632
Where the Garrad Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Garrad arms are recorded
The Garrad arms were recorded in London, c. 1632.
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 Garrad 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 Garrad Family in England
The family name Garrad is a variation of the ancient Germanic name Gerard, which translates to mean brave spear or strong spear. By the time the name appeared in London records in 1632, it had already evolved through several centuries of linguistic changes across Europe. Families bearing this name were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that helped shape the city during the early seventeenth century. Because the name was passed down through oral tradition before being formally recorded, it often appeared in various spellings in parish registers and legal documents. These early ancestors were likely involved in the bustling trade networks that defined London life, contributing to the city’s development as a global center of commerce. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the local community, reflecting the steady movement of families seeking new opportunities in the capital.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and hardy or brave.
This name
GarradA patronymic surname signifying son of the brave spearman.
also spelled
Garade
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
London Metropolitan Archives, Records of the Church of England, Parish Registers, 1632
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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
