A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hansard family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5247 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a crescent betw. three mullets ar”
Englandc. 1377
Where the Hansard Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hansard arms are recorded
The Hansard arms were recorded in England, c. 1377.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in England when the Hansard 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 Hansard Family in England
The Hansard family name has deep roots in medieval England, with significant records placing members of the family in the city of York as early as 1377. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who held roles of local importance or participated in the bustling trade networks of northern England. The name itself is believed to have evolved from Old French or Germanic origins, likely serving as a descriptive nickname or a reference to a specific occupation before becoming a permanent hereditary surname. As the family established itself in York, they became part of the social fabric of a city that served as a major religious and commercial hub. Over the following centuries, the Hansards gradually spread from these northern strongholds into other parts of the country, leaving behind a trail of legal documents and property records that track their slow migration and integration into English society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. three mullets ar”
DonegalLifford · Donegal, c. 1645
Where the Hansard Arms Were Recorded
Donegal
Map of Ireland showing where the Hansard arms are recorded
The Hansard arms were recorded in Donegal, c. 1645.
Donegal was remote north-western Irish country of mountain and coast. Its land was poor and its families few, but those who held ground held it for a very long time.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hansard arms are first recorded.
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 Donegal.
Origin & History of the Hansard Family in Ireland
The Hansard family name in Ireland is deeply connected to the turbulent events of the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in County Donegal, a region that saw significant social and political shifts during this period. The name likely arrived in Ireland as part of the broader movement of English settlers who were encouraged to relocate to the northern provinces to manage land and support local administration. As these families settled into the rugged landscape of Donegal, they became integrated into the local economy and social structure. Over time, the Hansards transitioned from being newcomers to becoming a recognized part of the regional community, adapting to the unique cultural environment of the Irish borderlands. Their presence in the area during the mid-1600s highlights the complex patterns of migration and land settlement that defined the history of Ulster during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hard
Old English word meaning brave, hardy, or strong.
This name
HansardA locational surname derived from a hard or firm ford crossing.
also spelled
Hanserd
Hansart
Related arms
Handsardvariant spelling
Yeatesrecorded with Hansard, 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. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives. Poll Tax Returns for the West Riding of Yorkshire. 1377
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
