A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goodlad family of England.
Reg. 8330 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Per pale vert and erm. an eagle displ. or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Goodlad Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Goodlad arms are recorded
The Goodlad arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Goodlad 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 Goodlad Family in England
The surname Goodlad is an English occupational or descriptive name that likely emerged during the Middle Ages to describe a person of good character or a young man of high standing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in London, where they were active in the city's maritime and mercantile life. Records from 1620 show members of the Goodlad family living in the bustling port areas along the River Thames. During this period, the family was deeply involved in the expansion of English trade, with several individuals serving as skilled mariners and shipmasters. Their work supported the growing network of international commerce that defined London as a global hub. Through their dedication to seafaring and trade, the early Goodlads helped shape the professional landscape of the city during a time of significant exploration and economic growth.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
God-lad
Old English words for good or god and a young person.
This name
GoodladA term of endearment or a nickname for a virtuous or pious young man.
also spelled
Goodladde
Related arms
Cambridgesimilar arms
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, 1991
The National Archives, Kew, High Court of Admiralty: Prize Papers, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney, 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.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
