A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gregory family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7443 · German, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sa. à une grue d'arg., bq. et m. de gu., posée sur un tertre de sin. et tenant une vigilance d'or. Cq. cour C.: une étoile d'or, soutenue d'un croiss. du même. L. d'arg. et de sa. S.: deux chiens braque reg. au nat., coll. de gu., borde et bouclé d'or, les oreilles de sa. [Une famille hollandaise du même nom, dont un gouverneur du Pays de Drenthe, porte les mêmes armes.]”
SaxonySaxony, c. 1789
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Map of Germany showing where the Gregory arms are recorded
The Gregory arms were recorded in Saxony, c. 1789.
Saxony had mines, trade and old landed families all at once. Silver made some fortunes and land held others, and both sorts of family kept arms, which is why Saxon names appear so often in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
1765–1790
Reigning in Germany when the Gregory arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Saxony.
Origin & History of the Gregory Family in Germany
The family name Gregory originates from the Greek name Gregorios, which means watchful or alert. In the German-speaking lands, this name gained popularity through the influence of the early Christian Church and several influential popes. By the late 18th century, the family was well-established in the region of Saxony. During this period, Saxony was a center of intellectual and industrial growth within the Holy Roman Empire. Families living in this area often held roles in local administration, agriculture, or the growing craft guilds. Records from 1789 show that members of the Gregory family were active participants in the social and economic life of their Saxon communities. They lived through a time of great change as the Enlightenment shifted how people viewed education and government. Their presence in Saxony suggests they were part of the stable middle or working classes who helped shape the local culture of the era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, two bars az. in chief a lion pass. of the last, quartering, 1st, ar. a saltire engr. sa.; 2nd, az. a lion ramp. ar. crowned or, debruised by a bend gu.; 3rd, erm. a fess paly of six or and gu.; 4th, sa. two lions pass. in pale ar. crowned or; 5th, vair a fess gu. fretty or”
LeicesterAshfordby · Leicester, c. 1291
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Map of England showing where the Gregory arms are recorded
The Gregory arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1291.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in Germany when the Gregory 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Gregory Family in England
The surname Gregory traces its roots back to the ancient Greek name Gregorios, which means watchful or alert. Following the arrival of Christianity in England, the name became popular among the clergy and common people alike due to its association with several influential early popes. By the late thirteenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the English Midlands. Official records confirm that members of the Gregory family were living in Leicester by 1291. During this period, surnames were still evolving from simple descriptions into permanent family names. The Gregory family likely solidified their name during this time as they became more integrated into the local economy and social structure of Leicestershire. As the centuries progressed, the name spread from these regional hubs across the country, eventually becoming a common fixture throughout England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Barry of eight or and az. on a chief of the last a lion pass. of the first”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Gregory arms are recorded
The Gregory arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Germany when the Gregory arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Gregory Family in Scotland
The name Gregory finds its roots in the ancient Greek word for watchful or alert, which eventually spread across Europe through the influence of early Christian leaders. In Scotland, the name established a firm presence by the mid-eighteenth century, with documented records placing family members in Edinburgh by 1748. During this era, the family became deeply integrated into the intellectual and professional life of the city. Many individuals bearing the name were recognized for their contributions to medicine, mathematics, and the sciences within the Scottish Enlightenment. As the family grew, they moved beyond the capital and became part of the broader social fabric of the Lowlands. Their history reflects the typical movement of families during this period as they sought opportunities in the growing urban centers of Scotland.
Gregory Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
gregorein
To be awake or to watch
This name
GregoryA vigilant or watchful person
also spelled
Gregori
Gregoire
Greig
Grig
Gregg
Related arms
Gregoriesame arms
M'Gregorsimilar arms
Gregoirevariant spelling
Gregorivariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt. 1967
Heintze, Albert. Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich. 1903
Sächsisches Staatsarchiv. Kirchenbücher und Personenstandsregister der sächsischen Gemeinden. 1789
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
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
