A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ly family of England.
Reg. 7990 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. two wings conjoined ar.; another, Ar. a fesse fusily sa. betw. three crescents gu.; another, Ar. a bend fusily sa. betw. six crescents gu.; another, Ar. a fleur-de-lis sa”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Ly arms are recorded
The Ly arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Ly 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 Ly Family in England
The history of the Ly family in England is deeply connected to the social landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade, religion, and local government. Families living in the city at this time often worked as skilled craftspeople or merchants who contributed to the local economy. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, potentially serving as a shortened form of longer surnames or as a descriptive name for individuals living near specific landmarks. As the family settled into the community, they became part of the long tradition of urban life in Northern England, navigating the significant political and social changes that defined the early modern era.
Ly Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Leah
Old English word for a woodland clearing or glade.
This name
LyA topographical surname for someone who lived near a forest clearing or meadow.
also spelled
Lie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
Borthwick Institute for Archives. Archbishop of York Diocesan Records: Probate Records. 1620
Drake, Francis. Eboracum: or the History and Antiquities of the City of York. 1736
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
