A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Jolliff family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4669 · French, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à une pile de sin., ch. de trois mains dextres appaumées du champ (Jolliffe); aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à deux fasces d'azur (Hylton). C.: 1° un avant-bras, posé en pal, arm. au nat., la main de carn. brandissant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or (Jolliffe); 2° une tête de Moïse, posée de front, sommée de deux flammes, les épaules revêtues d'un manteau de brocade (Hylton). T.: deux léopards lionnés d'azur, ch. chacun sur l'épaule de trois annelets d'or, 2 et 1. D.: TANT QUE JE PUIS.”
Francec. 1821
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Map of France showing where the Jolliff arms are recorded
The Jolliff arms were recorded in France, c. 1821.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Jolliff Family in France
The name Jolliff traces its roots to the northwestern region of France known as Bretagne. Historically, this area was a center for maritime trade and unique cultural traditions that shaped the lives of its inhabitants. By the early 19th century, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established within the local communities of the region. The name itself is thought to have evolved from medieval descriptors related to a person's cheerful or lively temperament. As the family lived in Bretagne during the year 1821, they were part of a society transitioning through the post-revolutionary era. This period saw many families moving from rural agricultural roles toward the growing opportunities in regional towns and coastal ports. Through these generations, the Jolliff name became a part of the long and complex social fabric of Breton history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ar. on a pile vert three dexter hands couped at the wrist and erect of the field”
WorcesterCofton Hall · Worcester, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Jolliff arms are recorded
The Jolliff arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 France when the Jolliff 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Jolliff Family in England
The surname Jolliff originates from the medieval period in England, where it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful or lively personality. The name is derived from the Old French word "jolif," which meant festive or merry. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Worcester. Records from this era indicate that members of the Jolliff family were active participants in the local community, living through a time of significant social and political change in England. Their settlement in Worcester suggests that they were integrated into the urban life of the West Midlands, where they worked and raised families during the reign of King James I. This early documentation confirms that the Jolliff name was well-rooted in English soil long before the family expanded across the globe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Jolif
Old French adjective meaning pretty, lively, or cheerful.
This name
JolliffA descriptive nickname for a person who was considered pleasant, merry, or attractive.
also spelled
Joliffe
Jollif
Jolif
Jolyffe
Jollyffe
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Morbihan, État civil, 1821
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Mollat, Michel, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1978
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
handFaith, sincerity and justice
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
handFaith, sincerity and justice
