A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goderich family of England.
Reg. 2355 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a fesse betw. two lions pass. guard. sa. a fleur-de-lis betw. as many crescents or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Goderich Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Goderich arms are recorded
The Goderich 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 Goderich 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 Goderich Family in England
The surname Goderich is rooted in Old English origins, derived from the personal name Godric, which combines the elements for "god" and "rule" or "power." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records confirm that members of the family were living in this historic northern hub by 1620, a time when York served as a vital center for trade and regional administration. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes, contributing to the city's economy and social fabric. Because York was a major religious and political center, the Goderich family likely navigated the shifting landscape of English life during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period. Their presence in such a prominent city suggests that they were well-settled members of the community who played a role in the daily life of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godric
Derived from the Old English elements god meaning good and ric meaning power.
This name
GoderichA locational surname referring to a ruler or leader who is favored by God.
also spelled
Godrich
Goodrich
Related arms
Goodricksimilar arms
Goodrichvariant 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, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
