A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heed family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5704 · 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 Heed Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Heed arms are recorded
The Heed 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 Heed 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 Heed Family in Britain
The surname Heed is a topographical name that likely originated from individuals living near a prominent hill or a high piece of land. In Middle English, the word "heved" or "heed" referred to a head, which was often used to describe the top of a geographical feature. By the year 1700, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the county of Kent. During this period, Kent was a hub of agricultural and maritime activity, and families with this name were often integrated into the local parish systems. These early members of the family were likely yeoman farmers or tradespeople who contributed to the local economy of the region. Over time, the spelling of the name stabilized as it appeared in church registers and legal documents, marking the transition of the family into the documented history of southeastern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
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 unicorns' heads couped ar”
KentKent, c. 1620
Where the Heed Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Heed arms are recorded
The Heed arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Heed 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Heed Family in England
The family name Heed has deep roots in the English county of Kent, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, Kent was a bustling region known for its agricultural output and its proximity to the busy ports along the English Channel. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname, perhaps referring to a person who was particularly observant or careful in their daily life. As the family established itself in the local community, they likely participated in the traditional trades and farming practices that defined the rural landscape of seventeenth-century England. By settling in Kent, the early Heed family became part of a long history of local families who helped shape the social and economic fabric of the region during a time of significant transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hede
Middle English term for a hood or a head covering.
This name
HeedAn occupational name for a maker of hoods or a nickname for someone wearing one.
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
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Kent Archives, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700
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
