Map of England showing where the Hayes arms are recorded
The Hayes arms were recorded in England, c. 1613.
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 Hayes 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 Hayes Family in England
The surname Hayes is rooted in the Old English word *haeg*, which referred to an enclosed area or a hedge. In the medieval period, this name was often used to describe someone who lived near a fenced-in piece of land or a forest clearing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern city of York. Records from 1613 confirm that members of the Hayes family were active participants in the civic and social life of this historic city. During this time, York served as a major hub for trade and administration, and families like the Hayes were often involved in the local merchant guilds or craft societies that defined the city’s economy. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of northern England, contributing to the development of the region through their professional work and community involvement.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
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. a chev. betw. three griffins' heads erased sa”
DonegalDrumboe Castle · Donegal, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Hayes arms are recorded
The Hayes arms were recorded in Donegal, c. 1645.
Donegal was remote north-western Irish country of mountain and coast. Its land was poor and its families few, but those who held ground held it for a very long time.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hayes arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Donegal.
Origin & History of the Hayes Family in Ireland
The family name Hayes has deep roots in Ireland, where it evolved from the Gaelic surname Ó hAodha, meaning descendant of Aodh or fire. While the name is often associated with southern regions, historical evidence confirms that members of the family were firmly established in County Donegal by 1645. During this period, the family lived through a time of great political upheaval as Ireland faced the consequences of the Cromwellian conquest and shifting land ownership laws. Because the name was common across different provinces, families in the north often developed distinct local ties while maintaining the shared linguistic heritage of their Gaelic ancestors. These early settlers in Donegal navigated a landscape defined by clan traditions and the transition toward a more centralized colonial administration, helping to secure the name as a permanent part of the Irish cultural tapestry.
Hayes Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Haga
An Old English or Old Norse term for a hedge or enclosure.
This name
HayesDerived from a dweller near a hedge, fence, or enclosed piece of land.
also spelled
Hays
Hayse
Heyes
Related arms
Hasevariant spelling
Haysvariant spelling
Haysevariant spelling
Heyesvariant 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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York Civic Records, 1613
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
