Map of England showing where the Sayre arms are recorded
The Sayre arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Sayre 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Sayre Family in England
The surname Sayre is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name for a person who worked as a woodcutter or a carpenter. The name is derived from the Old French word *saieur*, which refers to someone who saws timber. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records indicate that members of the Sayre family were living in this region by 1620, a time when many English families were beginning to look toward the American colonies for new opportunities. These early ancestors were likely part of the skilled artisan class, contributing to the local economy through their trade and craftsmanship before some eventually chose to cross the Atlantic to settle in the New World.
Sayre Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Sayer
An occupational term for a woodcutter or a speaker of law.
This name
SayreDerived from an occupational title for a carpenter or a legal official.
also spelled
Sayer
Sawyer
Related arms
Sarevariant spelling
Sawyervariant spelling
Sayervariant spelling
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, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for Norfolk, 1620
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
