A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grise family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5858 · 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 Grise Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Grise arms are recorded
The Grise 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 Grise 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 Grise Family in England
The surname Grise has deep roots in the coastal county of Norfolk, where records confirm the family was well-established by the year 1620. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname, derived from the Middle English word "gris," which referred to a shade of gray or a type of expensive gray fur. During the medieval period, such names were often given to individuals based on their physical appearance, such as the color of their hair or the clothing they wore. By the early 17th century, the Grise family in Norfolk were part of a society transitioning from feudal traditions to a more mobile, mercantile economy. Living in East Anglia, a region known for its strong ties to the wool trade and maritime commerce, these early family members were likely integrated into the local agricultural or trade networks that defined life in the English countryside. Their presence in Norfolk during this era suggests they were part of the steady, industrious population that helped shape the local culture of the region long before the great migrations to the New World.
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 Grise Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Grise arms are recorded
The Grise 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 Grise Family in Ireland
The history of the Grise family in Ireland begins with their documented presence in Dublin by 1651. During this period, Dublin was a center of significant political and social transition following the Cromwellian conquest. The name Grise is often associated with French origins, likely arriving in Ireland as part of the broader migration of Huguenots or other continental Europeans seeking new opportunities or fleeing religious turmoil. Once established in the capital, the family integrated into the local urban economy, which was heavily influenced by trade and the administrative needs of the city. By settling in Dublin during the mid-seventeenth century, the Grise family became part of a diverse group of residents who helped shape the city’s development during a time of great change. Their early presence in official records suggests they were part of the growing merchant or professional class that defined Dublin life in the years following the mid-century conflicts.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
griseus
A Latin term meaning gray or having a gray color.
This name
GriseA descriptive nickname for someone with gray hair or wearing gray clothing.
also spelled
Gryce
Grise
Gryse
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Norfolk Record Office, Norfolk Archdeaconry Wills and Administrations
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
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
