A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Girdler family of England.
Reg. 2138 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a fesse erm. cotised or, betw. three goats' heads erased ar”
StaffordStafford, c. 1620
Where the Girdler Arms Were Recorded
Stafford
Map of England showing where the Girdler arms are recorded
The Girdler arms were recorded in Stafford, c. 1620.
Staffordshire was mixed country of moorland, farmland and early ironworking. Its landed families were spread widely rather than concentrated, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Girdler 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 Stafford.
Origin & History of the Girdler Family in England
The surname Girdler is an occupational name that originated in medieval England to describe a person who made or sold girdles, which were the belts or cords used to fasten clothing. During the Middle Ages, these craftsmen were essential members of the local economy because they provided both functional items for laborers and decorative accessories for the wealthy. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Girdler family were well-established in the town of Stafford. This indicates that the family had likely been part of the local community for generations, contributing to the growth and trade of the region. As the family settled into life in Staffordshire, they transitioned from their original trade to various roles in local society, helping to build the historical foundation of the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gyrdel
Old English word for a belt or girdle.
This name
GirdlerAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of belts or girdles.
also spelled
Girdeler
Girdelar
Girdlair
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
Staffordshire Record Office, Stafford Borough Records: Quarter Sessions and Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
