A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Radcliffe family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1992 · Britain, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande engr. de sa., ch. en chef d'un croiss. du champ. C.: une tête et col de boeuf de sa., accornée d'arg., coll. d'une couronne du même. D.: VIRTUS PROPTER SE.”
YorkshireYorkshire, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Radcliffe arms are recorded
The Radcliffe arms were recorded in Yorkshire, c. 1700.
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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Radcliffe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Yorkshire.
Origin & History of the Radcliffe Family in Britain
The surname Radcliffe is a classic example of a locational name, which means it was originally adopted by people to describe the place where they lived. The name is derived from the Old English words "read," meaning red, and "clif," meaning a steep slope or bank. This refers to the reddish soil or sandstone cliffs found in various parts of Northern England. By the time the family was firmly established in Yorkshire during the early 1700s, the name had already been in use for several centuries across the region. Families often settled near these distinct geological features, and as they moved between villages for work or trade, the name became a permanent way to identify their origins. This history reflects the deep connection between the English landscape and the development of family identities during the medieval and early modern periods.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. two bends engr. sa. a label of three points and a crescent gu”
LancasterLancaster, c. 1611
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Map of England showing where the Radcliffe arms are recorded
The Radcliffe arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1611.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Britain when the Radcliffe 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Radcliffe Family in England
The name Radcliffe originates from the Old English words for red and cliff, likely describing a family that lived near a prominent geological feature with reddish soil. By the time records place the family in Lancashire during the early seventeenth century, the name was already well established as a locational surname tied to the landscape of Northern England. Families with this name often rose to local prominence through land ownership and service in regional administration. Because the name was tied to specific geographic locations, it appeared in various parish registers and legal documents as the family expanded across the county. These early members were deeply integrated into the social and economic life of Lancashire, where they participated in the local governance and agricultural development that defined the region during the transition into the modern era.
Radcliffe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
read clif
Old English for red cliff or bank.
This name
RadcliffeRefers to a person who lived near a prominent red-colored cliff or slope.
also spelled
Radclyffe
Radclif
Radcliff
Ratcliffe
Ratclyffe
Related arms
Radclyffevariant spelling
Radecliffevariant spelling
Ratcliffvariant spelling
Ratcliffevariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1700–1750
West Yorkshire Archive Service, Parish registers of the Diocese of York, 1700–1720
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
