A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grice family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2284 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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, gu. and az. on a bend ar. three boars pass. sa. armed or”
NorfolkBrokedish · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Grice Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Grice arms are recorded
The Grice arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Grice 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Grice Family in England
The surname Grice has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical records confirming the family’s presence in the county of Norfolk by the early seventeenth century. The name is generally believed to be a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle English word "grice," which meant a young pig or a grey-colored animal. During the Middle Ages, such names were commonly given to individuals based on their physical appearance, their personality, or perhaps their occupation as livestock traders. By the time the family was firmly established in Norfolk around 1620, the name had transitioned from a simple nickname into a formal hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early settlers in Norfolk likely lived in rural farming communities where they contributed to the local economy and social structure of the region. Their documented presence in this specific area provides a clear link to the agricultural traditions of East Anglia, where many families of that era built their lives and livelihoods.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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, gu. and az. on a bend ar. three boars pass. sa”
DublinDublin, c. 1651
Where the Grice Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Grice arms are recorded
The Grice arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1651.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Grice Family in Ireland
The Grice family name has deep roots in Ireland that stretch back to at least the mid-seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1651, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval following the Cromwellian conquest. During this era, the name was likely brought to the region by English settlers who moved to Ireland to take up land or administrative roles in the capital city. As the family integrated into Irish society, they became part of the urban merchant and professional classes that helped shape Dublin during the Restoration period. Over time, the Grice name became a fixture in local records, reflecting the broader movement of people between Britain and Ireland during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gris
Old French word meaning gray or a gray-colored animal.
This name
GriceA nickname for someone with gray hair or who wore gray clothing.
also spelled
Gryce
Grise
Gryse
Related arms
Gryssame arms
Grycevariant spelling
Grysevariant spelling
De la Fordrecorded with Grice, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Norfolk Record Office, Norfolk 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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
