Map of England showing where the Reddy arms are recorded
The Reddy 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 Reddy 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 Reddy Family in England
The family name Reddy has deep roots that trace back to the British Isles, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the city of York by the year 1620. The name itself is believed to be a descriptive surname, likely originating as a nickname for someone with a ruddy complexion or red hair. During the seventeenth century, families in northern England often lived in tight-knit communities where such descriptive names became permanent identifiers passed down through generations. As the family grew, they integrated into the local economy of York, which was a bustling center for trade and craftsmanship at the time. By settling in this historic city, the early Reddy family became part of the social fabric of a region known for its long history and influence in English life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Read
Old English word meaning red or ruddy in complexion.
This name
ReddyA descriptive nickname for a person with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
also spelled
Reddy
Reddey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
bordureA difference between branches of one family
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
