A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Stanley family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 5971 · French, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la bande d'azur, ch. de trois rencontres de cerf d'or, posés dans le sens de la bande. C.: une aigle de profil ess. d'or, empiétant un enfant dans le berceau; le tout soutenu d'un chapeau de tournoi de gu., retr. d'herm. S.: à dextre un griffon d'or, à sen. un cerf du même, ramé d'azur, tous deux coll. d'une couronne d'azur et enchaînés du même. D.: SANS CHANGER.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Stanley arms are recorded
The Stanley arms were recorded in France, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Stanley arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Stanley Family in France
The history of the Stanley name in France is deeply tied to the movement of people across the English Channel during the eighteenth century. While the name is often associated with English origins, records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Bretagne by 1725. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local social and economic structures of the province. Families living in Bretagne at this time often navigated the complex legal systems of the French monarchy while maintaining their distinct identity. The presence of the Stanley name in these coastal records suggests that they were part of a broader network of families moving between Britain and France for trade or personal reasons. By settling in this specific area, they became part of the long history of cultural exchange that defined the relationship between the two nations during the early modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, three eagles' legs and claws erased gu. on a chief indented az. three bucks' heads cabossed or”
ChesterHonford · Chester, c. 1506
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Map of England showing where the Stanley arms are recorded
The Stanley arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1506.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in France when the Stanley 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Stanley Family in England
The name Stanley originated as a locative surname, meaning it was derived from a specific place rather than a trade or personal characteristic. The name is composed of the Old English words "stan," meaning stone, and "leah," meaning a clearing or meadow. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to adopt the name lived near a stony field or a rocky woodland area. By the early sixteenth century, the family had established a significant presence in the city of Chester. Records from 1506 confirm their involvement in the local governance and social life of this region. Over time, the family grew in influence and expanded their reach across Northern England. Their history is deeply tied to the development of land ownership and the shifting political landscape of the medieval and early modern periods.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. on a bend az. three stags' heads cabossed or; 2nd, or, on a chief indented az. three plates; 3rd, barry of six ar. and sa. on a canton of the last a garb of the first”
Irelandc. 1580
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Map of Ireland showing where the Stanley arms are recorded
The Stanley arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1580.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in France when the Stanley 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 Stanley Family in Ireland
The Stanley family name arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social change. While the name has deep roots in England, records confirm that members of the family were well established in Dublin by 1580. During this time, the city served as a primary hub for administration and trade under the English crown. Families like the Stanleys often moved to Ireland to take on roles in government, law, or military service. As they settled into the local community, they became part of the complex social fabric of the Pale, which was the area around Dublin under direct English control. Over the following decades, the family integrated into the local economy and participated in the growth of the city. Their presence in Dublin during the late sixteenth century reflects the broader movement of people between the two islands during the early modern period.
Stanley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Stan-leah
Old English terms for stony meadow or rocky clearing.
This name
StanleyDerived from a locational surname referring to someone living near a stony field or clearing.
also spelled
Stanleigh
Stanly
Stanlay
Related arms
Cointinsimilar arms
Erringtonsimilar arms
Asshetonrecorded with Stanley, same area
Checkleyrecorded with Stanley, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Duine, François, Inventaire sommaire des archives départementales antérieures à 1790, 1912
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
