A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hardesty family of England.
Reg. 8060 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
vairProtection, and the winter fur
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
VairMeans: Protection
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)
“Az. a lion ramp. betw. three fleurs-de-lis or, a chief vair”
YorkYork, c. 1620
Where the Hardesty Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hardesty arms are recorded
The Hardesty arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Hardesty 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 York.
Origin & History of the Hardesty Family in England
The Hardesty surname finds its roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the historic city of York. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents in this area. The name is generally categorized as a locational surname, which suggests that the family likely took their name from a specific place or a small settlement that no longer exists or has changed its name over the centuries. During the seventeenth century, individuals carrying this name were often involved in the local trade and agricultural life of Yorkshire. As the century progressed, the family expanded beyond the city walls, eventually participating in the broader migration patterns that saw many English families move toward the American colonies in search of new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hardy
Derived from the Old French word hardi meaning bold or daring.
This name
HardestyA topographical name for someone who lived near a bold or daring person.
also spelled
Hardestie
Hardesty
Hardistie
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, Yorkshire 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
