A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Howard family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 2045 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. on a bend betw. six crosses crosslet fitchée ar. an escutcheon or, charged with a demi lion ramp. pierced through the mouth with an arrow, within a double tressure flory counterflory of the first, a crescent for diff”
NorthamptonNorthampton, c. 1604
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Howard arms are recorded
The Howard arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1604.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Howard 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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Howard Family in England
The surname Howard has deep roots in English history, emerging as a common name long before the seventeenth century. While the family was firmly established in Northampton by 1604, the name itself likely originated from a combination of Old English and Old German terms relating to a guardian or a high-ranking official. During the Middle Ages, many families adopted surnames based on their occupation or their status within the local community. As the Howard family settled into the Midlands, they became part of the growing class of landowners and tradespeople who helped shape the local economy. By the early 1600s, records show that members of the family were active participants in parish life, which suggests they were well-integrated into the social fabric of Northamptonshire. Their presence in these official records reflects a period of stability and transition as the family continued to build their legacy in the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. a”
WicklowWicklow, c. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Howard arms are recorded
The Howard arms were recorded in Wicklow, c. 1645.
Wicklow was mountain country immediately south of Dublin, the last part of the east coast brought under control. Families granted land there held it under arms, and those grants were recorded.
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 Howard 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 Wicklow.
Origin & History of the Howard Family in Ireland
The Howard family name in Ireland is deeply connected to the turbulent political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name itself has roots in medieval England, its presence in County Wicklow by 1645 marks a significant chapter for the family as they navigated the shifting ownership of Irish land. During this period, the family settled into the Wicklow region amidst a time of intense conflict and the redistribution of estates. Their arrival in this area coincided with the broader movement of settlers who were often involved in the administration or military defense of the territory. By establishing themselves in Wicklow, the Howards became part of the local social fabric during a time when the region was a focal point for colonial expansion and regional power struggles. This early residency laid the groundwork for the family to integrate into the local community, eventually becoming a recognized part of the historical record in the eastern part of the country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. on a bend indented or, three escallops of the first betw. six cross crosslets fitchée ar”
FlintBroughton Hall · Flint, c. 1647
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Wales showing where the Howard arms are recorded
The Howard arms were recorded in Flint, c. 1647.
Flintshire was small north Welsh country on the Dee estuary, close to Chester. English and Welsh families both held land there, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Howard arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Flint.
Origin & History of the Howard Family in Wales
The Howard family name has deep roots in the borderlands between England and Wales, particularly within the county of Flintshire. By the middle of the seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the town of Flint, a location that served as a strategic gateway between the two regions. During this period, the area was a melting pot of cultural exchange where families often navigated the shifting political landscape of the Welsh Marches. While the name Howard is often associated with broader British history, its specific emergence in Flint by 1647 suggests that these early members were likely involved in the local trade, agriculture, or administrative life of the town. Their residency in such a historically significant coastal settlement indicates that they were part of the steady movement of people who helped shape the identity of North Wales during a time of great social change.
Howard Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hugihard
A Germanic compound meaning heart, mind, or spirit combined with brave.
This name
HowardDerived from Old English and Germanic elements signifying a brave or hardy mind.
also spelled
Hovard
Haward
Heward
Howerd
Related arms
Hawardvariant spelling
Hewardvariant spelling
Bohunrecorded with Howard, same area
Bourkerecorded with Howard, same area
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
Northamptonshire Archives, Parish Registers for Northampton All Saints, 1604
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made