A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heard family of England.
Reg. 7581 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 Neptune crowned with an Eastern crown of gold, his trident sa. headed or, issuing from a stormy ocean, the sinister hand grasping the head of a ship's mast appearing above the waves, as part of the wreck all ppr. on a chief az. the Arctic polar star of the first betw. two water bougets of the second”
SomersetSomerset, c. 1762
Where the Heard Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Heard arms are recorded
The Heard arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1762.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Heard 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Heard Family in England
The surname Heard is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person who worked as a herdsman or a guardian of livestock. During the Middle Ages, many families adopted surnames based on their daily occupations to distinguish themselves within growing village communities. By the mid-eighteenth century, the Heard family had established a clear presence in the county of Somerset. Records from 1762 confirm that members of the family were living and working in this region, which was known for its rich agricultural landscape and thriving market towns. These early ancestors were likely part of the local farming or trade classes that helped shape the social and economic character of the West Country during the Georgian era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hierde
Old English term for a keeper or guardian of animals.
This name
HeardA person who worked as a shepherd or a tender of livestock.
also spelled
Herd
Heardman
Related arms
Herdvariant 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 English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
South West Heritage Trust, Somerset Parish Registers, 1762
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
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
