A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hearne family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5568 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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. a chev. erm. betw. three herons ar”
BerksBerks, c. 1618
Where the Hearne Arms Were Recorded
Berks
Map of England showing where the Hearne arms are recorded
The Hearne arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1618.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with a coat of 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 Hearne 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Hearne Family in England
The surname Hearne is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a descriptive name for people who lived near a secluded nook or a corner of land. By the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the county of Berkshire, as evidenced by records from 1618. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the local agrarian society, working the land and participating in the parish life of their communities. As the name spread across the English countryside, it evolved through various spellings based on local dialects and the phonetic habits of early record keepers. This transition from a simple geographic identifier to a formal family name reflects the broader movement of English society toward more structured record keeping and permanent hereditary surnames.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per fesse ar. and az. three chaplets counterchanged”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Hearne Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Hearne arms are recorded
The Hearne arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Hearne 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Hearne Family in Ireland
The surname Hearne has deep roots in Ireland, where it evolved from the Gaelic name Ó hEachthigheirn, meaning descendant of the horse lord. While the family name is often associated with the province of Munster, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the name was frequently anglicized to fit the changing linguistic landscape of the city. As the family integrated into the urban life of seventeenth-century Dublin, they participated in the professional and social shifts occurring under the influence of the English administration. This transition from a traditional Gaelic clan structure to a presence in the capital city highlights the family’s ability to adapt to the political and economic pressures of early modern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heron
A long-legged freshwater and coastal bird of the family Ardeidae.
This name
HearneA topographic name for someone who lived near a place frequented by herons.
also spelled
Herne
Heron
Related arms
Dukesame arms
Hernevariant spelling
Heronvariant 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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Parish registers of Berkshire, 1618
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
heronPatience and quiet watchfulness
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
