A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gerrard family of England.
Reg. 0522 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a saltire gu.; 2nd and 3rd, ar. a lion ramp. erm. crowned or”
MiddlesexHarrow · Middlesex, c. 1620
Where the Gerrard Arms Were Recorded
Middlesex
Map of England showing where the Gerrard arms are recorded
The Gerrard arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Gerrard 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Gerrard Family in England
The surname Gerrard is a variation of the ancient Germanic name Gerhard, which translates to "brave spear." During the Middle Ages, this name spread across Europe and eventually became established in England. By the early 17th century, members of the Gerrard family were well-settled in the county of Middlesex. This region was a center of political and social activity near London, placing the family in a prime location during a time of significant historical change. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of the community, contributing to the development of the area through trade, land ownership, and local governance. Their presence in Middlesex by 1620 suggests that they were already an integrated part of English society during the early years of the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from the Germanic elements meaning spear and brave or hardy.
This name
GerrardA surname of Germanic origin signifying a brave or strong spear warrior.
also spelled
Jarrard
Garrett
Related arms
Garrettvariant spelling
Girardvariant 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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384–1858, PROB 11
Middlesex County Records Society, Middlesex County Records, 1886
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
