Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Fascé d'herm. et de gu.; au canton du sec., ch. d'une croix d'or. C.:”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hussey family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Fascé d'herm. et de gu.; au canton du sec., ch. d'une croix d'or. C.:”

The Hussey arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
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.
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.
The surname Hussey has deep roots in the British Isles, with its origins tracing back to the arrival of the Normans in the eleventh century. The name is believed to be a variation of the French place name Houssaye, which refers to a location where holly trees grew in abundance. Over several centuries, families bearing this name established themselves across various English counties, eventually becoming well-documented in the region of Kent by the year 1700. During this period, members of the Hussey family were often involved in local agriculture and trade, which allowed them to become stable and recognizable figures within their parish communities. As the family grew, they integrated into the social fabric of southern England, leaving behind records in parish registers and land deeds that track their movement and daily lives throughout the eighteenth century.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, a cross vert”

The Hussey arms were recorded in England, c. 1534.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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.
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.
The surname Hussey is believed to have originated from the French place name Houssaye, which refers to a location where holly trees grew. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, families bearing this name migrated from France to England, eventually establishing deep roots across the country. By the early 16th century, the family had become well-established in northern England, with records confirming their presence in York by 1534. During this period, the Husseys were often involved in the social and political life of their local communities, reflecting the broader movement of families who transitioned from their continental origins to become integral parts of the English landscape. Their presence in a major administrative and religious center like York suggests that they held a stable position within the society of the time, contributing to the growth and development of the region as the Tudor era progressed.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Barry of six erm. and gu. on a canton of the last a cross or”

The Hussey arms were recorded in Meath, c. 1645.
Meath was the best farmland in Ireland and the old seat of its high kings. Norman families took it early and held it, and land of that quality kept the same families on it for centuries.
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 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.
The Hussey family arrived in Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion of the twelfth century, eventually establishing a significant presence in County Meath. Originally of French origin, the name became deeply rooted in the Irish landscape as the family integrated into the local political and social structures. By the mid-seventeenth century, the Husseys held considerable influence as members of the landed gentry, particularly around the Trim area. Their status was solidified by their involvement in regional governance and their ownership of large estates. This period was a time of great upheaval, and the family remained a notable fixture in Meath during the turbulent events of 1645. Over time, the Husseys became recognized as one of the prominent families that bridged the gap between their Norman roots and their long-term life in Ireland.
Old French term for a place planted with holly trees.


