Map of England showing where the Sergent arms are recorded
The Sergent arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 Sergent 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Sergent Family in England
The surname Sergent originated as a functional title, derived from the Old French word *sergent*, which referred to a servant or an officer of the law. In medieval England, this name was often given to individuals who held administrative positions or served as attendants to noble households. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Gloucester. Records from 1620 indicate that members of the Sergent family were active participants in the local community, likely contributing to the trade and civic life that defined this historic cathedral city. As the name transitioned from a professional description to a hereditary family identifier, it reflected the social mobility of those who moved from service roles into established roles as landowners and local citizens. This evolution highlights how a simple job title eventually became a lasting legacy for families living in the West of England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
Colours
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three dolphins embowed sa”
IrelandWaldridge, c. 1625
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Map of Ireland showing where the Sergent arms are recorded
The Sergent arms were recorded in Waldridge, c. 1625.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Sergent arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Sergent Family in Ireland
The family name Sergent has deep roots in the administrative and social landscape of early modern Ireland. By 1625, records confirm that members of the family were already established in Dublin, a city that served as the primary hub for government and trade during this period. The name itself is derived from the Old French word sergent, which originally described a person who held a position of service or authority, such as an officer of the law or a land steward. When these individuals arrived in Ireland, they often integrated into the growing urban population of Dublin, where their occupational background likely helped them secure roles within the city’s civic or legal structures. Over time, the family became part of the complex social fabric of the capital, transitioning from their roles as officials into the broader community of merchants and residents who shaped the development of the city throughout the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
serviens
Latin term meaning one who serves or is in service.
This name
SergentAn occupational surname for a servant, attendant, or a minor official in a feudal household.
also spelled
Serjeant
Sargeant
Sarjeant
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester City Council Records: Records of the Corporation of Gloucester, 1620
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
ermineDignity and rank
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
