A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gillibrand family of England.
Reg. 6337 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. two swords in saltire sa. hilted ar. points to chief”
EnglandChorley, c. 1620
Where the Gillibrand Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gillibrand arms are recorded
The Gillibrand arms were recorded in Chorley, 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 Gillibrand 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 Gillibrand Family in England
The surname Gillibrand is rooted in the ancient regions of Northern England, where it emerged as a distinct family name during the medieval period. The name is derived from Old Norse elements, specifically combining the words for a hostage or pledge with the term for a sword, suggesting that the earliest bearers may have been associated with military service or local leadership. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Gillibrand family were well-established in the city of York. During this time, the family likely participated in the bustling trade and civic life of the city, which served as a major northern hub for commerce and religion. As the centuries progressed, the family expanded their influence across Lancashire and Yorkshire, leaving behind a legacy tied to the development of these northern English communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gillebrand
Old Norse name composed of elements meaning hostage and sword.
This name
GillibrandA locational surname derived from a valley or stream associated with the name Gillebrand.
also spelled
Gillebrand
Gyllibrand
Gyllebrand
Related arms
Breresrecorded with Gillibrand, same area
Davenportrecorded with Gillibrand, same area
Knightlyrecorded with Gillibrand, same area
Smethurstrecorded with Gillibrand, same area
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, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
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
swordJustice, and military honour
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
swordJustice, and military honour
