A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harle family of England.
Reg. 7619 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. three piles meeting in the base point sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Harle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Harle arms are recorded
The Harle 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 Harle 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 Harle Family in England
The surname Harle is rooted in the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a locational name derived from ancient settlements. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Harle family were active participants in the civic and social life of this area during the Stuart period. The name itself likely originated from Old English terms describing a hare or a specific type of meadow, suggesting that the earliest ancestors were individuals who lived near distinctive natural landmarks. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local economy of York, contributing to the development of the city through various trades and community roles. This early history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in northern urban centers to build stable lives during a time of significant social change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hara
Old English word meaning a hare or a swift animal.
This name
HarleA topographical name for someone who lived in a place frequented by hares.
also spelled
Harley
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
