Map of England showing where the Gjerde arms are recorded
The Gjerde 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 Gjerde 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 Gjerde Family in England
The name Gjerde originates from the Old Norse word *gerði*, which refers to a fenced-in piece of land or an enclosure. In the context of Norwegian history, this name was typically used as a topographic surname, meaning it was given to families who lived on or near a specific plot of fenced farmland. By 1620, members of the family were established in York, England, suggesting that these early ancestors were likely part of the maritime trade networks connecting the North Sea regions. These individuals were often farmers or skilled laborers who moved across borders to find new opportunities in growing urban centers. Over time, the name became a permanent way to identify these families as they integrated into the local communities of Northern England while maintaining their connection to their Scandinavian roots.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gjerd
Old Norse word referring to an enclosure, fence, or yard.
This name
GjerdeA topographic name for someone who lived near a fenced enclosure or farmyard.
also spelled
Gird
Gyrd
Gerdde
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Rygh, Oluf. Norske Gaardnavne. 1897
Heggstad, Leiv, Finn Hødnebø, and Erik Simensen. Norsk Ordbok. 1975
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York. York Diocesan Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
