Map of England showing where the Redifer arms are recorded
The Redifer 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 Redifer 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 Redifer Family in England
The Redifer surname is rooted in the historical landscape of Northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in York as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York served as a vital regional hub for trade and administration, suggesting that early members of the family likely participated in the urban economy of the city. The name itself is thought to be a variation of occupational or locative surnames common to the region, reflecting the linguistic shifts that occurred as English dialects evolved during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As the family established itself in the area, they became part of the local social fabric, navigating the significant political and religious changes that defined life in Yorkshire during the Stuart period. By maintaining a presence in such a prominent city, the early Redifers were positioned within a network of commerce and community that helped preserve their family identity through the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Radulf
Derived from the Old Germanic elements for counsel and wolf.
This name
RediferA patronymic surname originating from the personal name Ralph, meaning wolf counsel.
also spelled
Redfearn
Redfarn
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. York Diocesan Probate Records. 1620
Palliser, D.M. Tudor York. 1979
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
