Map of England showing where the Waddington arms are recorded
The Waddington arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Waddington 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 Waddington Family in England
The surname Waddington is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. It is derived from the Old English words for a farm or settlement belonging to the followers of a man named Wada. By the time the name appeared in London records during the early 17th century, the family had already established deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. These early ancestors were often yeomen or tradespeople who moved toward the growing capital city as England entered a period of significant social and economic change. Their presence in London by 1620 suggests that the family was part of the migration of ambitious individuals seeking new opportunities in the urban center. This movement helped the name spread from its rural northern origins into the heart of English political and commercial life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a fess betw. three fleurs-de-lis gu. as many martlets or”
IrelandCorbally, c. 1660
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Map of Ireland showing where the Waddington arms are recorded
The Waddington arms were recorded in Corbally, c. 1660.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Waddington 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 Waddington Family in Ireland
The Waddington family name has roots in England, but its presence in Ireland became well-established by the mid-seventeenth century. Records show that members of the family were living in Dublin as early as 1660, a time when the city was undergoing significant social and political changes following the restoration of the monarchy. These early settlers likely arrived as part of the broader movement of English families moving into urban centers like Dublin to participate in trade, administration, or the growing professional class. Over the following decades, the name became increasingly associated with the civic life of the capital, as the family integrated into the local economy. By remaining in Dublin, the Waddingtons became part of the complex tapestry of families who helped shape the city during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wada
An Old English personal name meaning famous or renowned warrior.
This name
WaddingtonRefers to the settlement or farmstead belonging to the family of Wada.
also spelled
Wadyngton
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
