Map of England showing where the Hardisty arms are recorded
The Hardisty 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 Hardisty 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 Hardisty Family in England
The family name Hardisty is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Northern England, specifically within the county of Yorkshire. By the early 17th century, the name was already well-established in the city of York, where records confirm family members were living by 1620. The name itself is thought to be topographical in origin, likely describing someone who lived near a distinct landmark or a specific type of stony ground. During this period, families in the region were often tied to the local wool trade or agricultural work, which helped them build a lasting presence in the area. As the centuries progressed, the Hardisty name spread from these urban centers into the surrounding rural parishes, maintaining a strong connection to the northern English identity that defined their early history.
Hardisty Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hardy and sty
Bold or brave person living in a fenced enclosure or dwelling.
This name
HardistyA person who resided at a bold or courageous individual's homestead or fenced farmstead.
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Books, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
