A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gerow family of England.
Reg. 4260 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a cross gu. betw. four lions pass. respecting each other sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gerow Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gerow arms are recorded
The Gerow 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 Gerow 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 Gerow Family in England
The surname Gerow is believed to have French origins, likely derived from the name Giraud, which relates to the Germanic term for a spear or strength. By the early 17th century, members of the family were established in the region of York, England. During this period, families with this name were often involved in trade and local community life as they navigated the social shifts of the era. As the 17th century progressed, the family name began to spread further as individuals sought new opportunities in different regions. This movement helped the name transition from its continental roots into a distinct part of the historical landscape in England before many members eventually migrated to North America.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerard
Derived from the Germanic elements meaning spear and brave or hardy.
This name
GerowA locational or patronymic surname originating from the Old French personal name Gerard.
also spelled
Gero
Related arms
O'Dronsame arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives (UK), Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1600–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
