A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gillett family of England.
Reg. 6463 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. on a bend sa. three lucies' heads erased ar”
Englandc. 1614
Where the Gillett Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gillett arms are recorded
The Gillett arms were recorded in England, c. 1614.
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 Gillett 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 Gillett Family in England
The surname Gillett is a variation of the name Giles, which traces its roots back to the Greek word for a young goat or a shield bearer. During the Middle Ages, names often evolved based on how they sounded when spoken aloud in local dialects. By the time the family was firmly established in York in 1614, the spelling had settled into a form that identified them as members of a specific community. Families with this name were often involved in trade or craftsmanship, which was common for people living in the bustling city of York during the early seventeenth century. As they moved through the region, the name became a permanent marker of their ancestry and their connection to the social life of Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gille
A diminutive form of the Germanic name Giles or William.
This name
GillettA patronymic surname meaning son of little Giles or son of little William.
also spelled
Gyllett
Gyllet
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Yorkshire Parish Registers, 1614
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
