Map of England showing where the Ord arms are recorded
The Ord arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Ord 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Ord Family in England
The family name Ord has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the county of Durham. By the early seventeenth century, the family was well established in this area, with records confirming their presence there by 1620. The name itself is thought to be topographical, likely originating from the Old English word ord, which refers to a point of land or a sharp edge. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name may have lived near a prominent hill or a river bend. Over time, the family became deeply connected to the local landscape and the social fabric of the North East. They were often involved in the management of land and local administration, which helped the family name persist in regional records for centuries. Because the family remained centered in the north for generations, their history offers a clear look at how surnames evolved alongside the geography of medieval and early modern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
otterOne who lives life to the full
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a chev. az. betw. a crescent betw. two mullets in chief of the last, and a demi otter issuing out of water in base ppr”
Scotlandc. 1748
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 Scotland showing where the Ord arms are recorded
The Ord arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Ord arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Ord Family in Scotland
The family name Ord has deep roots in the northern regions of Scotland, where it likely originated as a topographic surname for people living near a prominent headland or a steep, pointed hill. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a clear presence in Edinburgh, which was a bustling center of trade and intellectual growth during the Scottish Enlightenment. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the Ord family were active participants in the city’s social and professional life during this transformative era. As the family integrated into the urban landscape of Scotland’s capital, they moved away from their rural origins to take up roles in the legal and mercantile sectors that defined the city. This transition reflects the broader movement of Scottish families who sought new opportunities in the growing administrative hubs of the country. Through these early records, we can see the family evolving alongside the changing identity of Scotland itself.
Ord Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
ord
Old English word for a point, edge, or spearhead.
This name
OrdA topographic name for someone living near a sharp hill or a pointed piece of land.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Surtees, Robert. The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham. 1816
The National Archives. Durham Probate Records, 1540–1858
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
otterOne who lives life to the full
