A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hardee family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2030 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ar. on a bend engr. gu. a crescent betw. two leopards' faces of the first, on a chief az. three catharine wheels or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Hardee Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Hardee arms are recorded
The Hardee arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Hardee 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 Hardee Family in England
The surname Hardee traces its roots to medieval England, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their bold or courageous nature. The name is derived from the Middle English word "hardy," which meant brave, daring, or robust. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the bustling urban environment of London. During this period, the city served as a major center for trade and social mobility, providing a home for diverse families who contributed to the growth of the capital. These early London residents lived through a time of significant cultural change, navigating the complexities of a city that was rapidly expanding its influence on the global stage. As these individuals settled into their lives in London, they helped carry the name forward, ensuring its presence in the historical record of the English people.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. on a chev. ar. betw. three griffins' heads erased or, three escallops of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1645
Where the Hardee Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Hardee arms are recorded
The Hardee arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hardee 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Hardee Family in Ireland
The history of the Hardee name in Ireland is deeply connected to the social shifts occurring in Dublin during the mid-seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established residents of the city, placing them in the capital during a time of intense political and religious upheaval. During this era, Dublin served as a primary hub for families navigating the transition from older Gaelic structures to the administrative systems imposed by the English crown. The presence of the Hardee family in the city suggests they were likely involved in the growing merchant class or the professional trades that supported Dublin’s expansion as a center of commerce. While the name itself has roots that stretch across the Irish Sea, those who settled in Dublin became part of the unique urban fabric of the city, living through the turbulent years of the Cromwellian conquest and the subsequent changes to land ownership and local governance. Their early presence in the capital highlights a family that was well-positioned within the social and economic life of Ireland during a pivotal moment in its history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hard
Old English adjective meaning brave, bold, or hardy.
This name
HardeeA nickname for a courageous or resilient person, or a locational name for someone from Hardee.
also spelled
Hardie
Hardey
Hardee
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384–1858
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
