A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grays family of England.
Reg. 9319 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, ar. and az. over all on a bend sa. three mullets or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Grays Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grays arms are recorded
The Grays 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 Grays 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 Grays Family in England
The surname Grays is a variation of the name Gray, which originated as a descriptive nickname in medieval England. It was typically given to someone who had grey hair or wore grey clothing. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living and working within this historic northern hub during a time of significant social and religious change. As residents of York, these early ancestors were part of a community defined by its ancient Roman foundations and its vital role as a center for trade and administration in the north of England. The family likely contributed to the local economy and civic life of the city as it transitioned through the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Graus
Old French term referring to the color gray or grey.
This name
GraysA descriptive nickname originally used to identify someone with gray hair or gray clothing.
also spelled
Grays
Greis
Graies
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
