A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Greg family of England.
Reg. 3375 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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, 1st and 4th, ar. out of a mount in base vert a fir tree surmounted by a sword bendwise ppr. on a canton az. an antique crown also ppr., for GREG; 2nd and 3rd, az. on a pale engr. or, betw. two mullets in chief of the second, and as many crescents in base ar. a lion ramp. gu., for LIGHTBODY”
ChesterNorcliffe Hall · Chester, c. 1875
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Map of England showing where the Greg arms are recorded
The Greg arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1875.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in England when the Greg 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Greg Family in England
The surname Greg originates from the medieval period as a shortened form of the name Gregory, which itself comes from a Greek word meaning watchful or alert. While the name appeared in various parts of Scotland and Northern England for centuries, it became firmly established in the city of Chester by the late nineteenth century. Families living in Chester during the 1870s often worked in the city’s thriving trade and industrial sectors, which were expanding rapidly due to the influence of the nearby docks and the growing railway network. By 1875, the Greg family was part of a vibrant urban community that relied on local commerce and craftsmanship to sustain their daily lives. This period marked a time of significant social change in Chester, and families like the Gregs were essential to the development of the city’s identity during the Victorian era.
Greg Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gregorius
Derived from the Greek word meaning to be watchful or alert.
This name
GregA surname originating from a diminutive form of the given name Gregory, signifying a vigilant or watchful person.
also spelled
Greig
Related arms
Greigvariant 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, 1991
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Rate Books, 1875
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
