Map of Wales showing where the Lloyd arms are recorded
The Lloyd arms were recorded in Merioneth, c. 1647.
Merioneth was mountain country in north-west Wales, poor and thinly settled. Its families held small estates for centuries, and long tenure counted for more than wealth.
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 Wales when the Lloyd 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 Merioneth.
Origin & History of the Lloyd Family in Wales
The surname Lloyd originates from the Welsh descriptive word *llwyd*, which translates to grey or brown. In the context of early Welsh naming traditions, this name was often used as a nickname to describe a person with grey hair or a fair complexion. By the time records confirm the presence of the family in the county of Merioneth in 1647, the name had transitioned from a simple descriptor into a formal hereditary surname. During this era, the families living in the rugged landscapes of Merioneth were deeply connected to the local land and the shifting political climate of Wales. The name became a marker of identity for these families as they navigated the transition from traditional Welsh patronymic naming customs to the more permanent English system of fixed surnames. This shift allowed the Lloyd name to become firmly established within the social and administrative structures of the region, marking a significant chapter in the history of Welsh genealogy.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert a chev. erm. betw. three griffins' heads erased ar. a label of three points gu”
Englandc. 1597
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Map of England showing where the Lloyd arms are recorded
The Lloyd arms were recorded in England, c. 1597.
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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Wales when the Lloyd 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 England.
Origin & History of the Lloyd Family in England
The family name Lloyd originates from the Welsh language, where it is derived from the word "llwyd," meaning grey or hoary. While the name is deeply rooted in Welsh culture, it began to spread across the border into England as families migrated for work and trade during the late sixteenth century. By 1597, records confirm that members of the Lloyd family were established in the historic city of York. At this time, York was a bustling northern hub, and families moving there often integrated into the local merchant classes or professional guilds. This transition from the Welsh countryside to an English urban center highlights how the family adapted to new environments while maintaining their distinct linguistic heritage. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in English records as the family integrated into the social and economic life of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. three lions dormant in pale sa”
WaterfordStrancally Castle · Waterford, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lloyd arms are recorded
The Lloyd arms were recorded in Waterford, c. 1645.
Waterford was a port with good farming country behind it, settled early by Norman families. Merchants and landowners both prospered, and both sorts of family took 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Lloyd 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 Waterford.
Origin & History of the Lloyd Family in Ireland
The surname Lloyd is primarily of Welsh origin, derived from the word *llwyd*, which means grey or hoary. While the name is deeply rooted in Wales, it became established in Ireland through centuries of migration and political change. By the year 1645, records confirm that members of the Lloyd family were settled in Waterford, a city with a long history of trade and interaction between Ireland and its neighbors across the sea. During this period, families with Welsh names often moved to Irish port cities to participate in commerce or serve in administrative roles. These early settlers became part of the local social fabric in Waterford, gradually integrating into the community while maintaining their distinct ancestral name. Over time, the name spread from these coastal hubs into the surrounding countryside, marking the family as a permanent fixture in the history of the region.
Lloyd Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
llwyd
A Welsh adjective meaning grey or brown.
This name
LloydRefers to a person with grey hair or a grey complexion.
also spelled
Loyd
Llwyd
Floyd
Related arms
Foulkssame arms
Gualessame arms
Jonessame arms
Loydvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Morgan, Prys. Enwau Lleoedd. 1978
Rowlands, John and Sheila Rowlands. The Surnames of Wales. 1996
The National Library of Wales, Merioneth Quarter Sessions Records
The National Library of Wales, Peniarth Manuscripts
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
