A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hed family of Britain.
Reg. 0004 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de contre-hermine, acc. de trois têtes et cols de licorne coupées de sa. C.: une tête et col de licorne d'herm. D.: STUDY QUIET.”
KentKent, c. 1700
Where the Hed Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Hed arms are recorded
The Hed arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1700.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Hed arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Hed Family in Britain
The family name Hed is believed to have roots in Old English, likely originating as a descriptive nickname or a reference to a specific geographic location. By the early 1700s, records confirm that members of the Hed family were established in the county of Kent. During this period, Kent was a bustling region shaped by its proximity to London and its role as a gateway to the European continent. Families living there often worked in agriculture, trade, or maritime industries, contributing to the local economy and community life. As the name appears in parish registers and local administrative documents from this era, it suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the English countryside. Over time, the name remained tied to the region, reflecting the steady lives of those who helped build the history of southeastern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hede
Old English word for a head or a prominent hill.
This name
HedA topographical name for someone who lived near a headland or a prominent hill.
also spelled
Heade
Hedde
Heed
Hed
Hede
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Kent Archives and Local History Service, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700–1750
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
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
