A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Searle family of England.
Reg. 2475 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gu. on a chev. betw. three trefoils ar. as many pellets”
DevonLondon · Devon, c. 1568
Where the Searle Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Searle arms are recorded
The Searle arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1568.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Searle 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Searle Family in England
The surname Searle is a patronymic name, which means it originated from a given name rather than a specific occupation or place. It is derived from the Old German name Serlo, which likely carries the meaning of armor or protection. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, this name became popular among the ruling classes and eventually spread into the general population. By the time the family was firmly established in Devon in 1568, the name had evolved into its modern spelling through centuries of local usage. Families bearing this name in the West Country of England were often involved in agriculture and local trade, becoming deeply rooted in the rural communities of the region. Over generations, the Searles became a recognizable part of the social fabric in Devon, contributing to the local economy and parish life long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Serlo
A Germanic personal name derived from the element saro meaning armor.
This name
SearleAn occupational or descriptive surname originating from the Norman personal name meaning armed warrior.
also spelled
Serle
Related arms
Serlevariant spelling
Graverecorded with Searle, same area
Scarellrecorded with Searle, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Devon Quarter Sessions: Petitions and Papers, 1568
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
