A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harrys family of England.
Reg. 6264 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, on a bend az. three cinquefoils pierced of the field, a mullet for diff”
EssexCryxsey · Essex, c. 1578
Where the Harrys Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Harrys arms are recorded
The Harrys arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1578.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Harrys 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Harrys Family in England
The family name Harrys traces its roots back to the late sixteenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the English county of Essex by 1578. During this period, the name functioned as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the given name Harry, which was a common medieval form of Henry. Families often adopted these names to identify themselves within their local communities as populations grew and record-keeping became more formal. In rural Essex, the Harrys family likely lived as tenant farmers or tradespeople, contributing to the agricultural and local economy of the region. As they settled in the area, their presence became firmly established in parish registers and local legal documents, marking the beginning of their long history in the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Henry
Derived from the Germanic name Heimirich meaning home ruler.
This name
HarrysA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named Harry.
also spelled
Harris
Harries
Haris
Related arms
Harrissimilar arms
Harisvariant spelling
Harresvariant spelling
Harreysvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Essex, D/P series
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
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
