A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harewood family of England.
Reg. 8183 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. on a chief ar. three harts' heads erased of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Harewood Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Harewood arms are recorded
The Harewood arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Harewood 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 Harewood Family in England
The name Harewood is a locative surname, meaning it originated from people who lived in or near a place called Harewood. In Old English, the name translates to a wood where hares were commonly found. While the name is associated with various locations in England, the family presence in York by 1620 suggests deep roots in the northern counties. During the early seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families living there were often involved in the city’s influential merchant guilds or local administration. By settling in such a significant historical hub, the early members of the Harewood family were likely part of a growing class of citizens who helped shape the economic and social fabric of Yorkshire during a time of great national transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hara and wudu
Old English for a grey or hoary animal and a wood.
This name
HarewoodA topographical name referring to a wooded area frequented by hares or grey animals.
also spelled
Harwood
Harewode
Harwode
Related arms
Harwoodvariant spelling
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
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names, 1960
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
