A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wade family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 3063 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. a saltire betw. four escallops or, quartering, 1st, Gu. a chev. betw. three boars' heads couped ar.; 2nd, Gu. three garbs or; 3rd, Or, two bars az. in chief three water bougets gu”
EnglandLondon, c. 1608
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Map of England showing where the Wade arms are recorded
The Wade arms were recorded in London, c. 1608.
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 Wade 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 Wade Family in England
The surname Wade is rooted in Old English, originating from the word "wadan," which means to go or to ford a river. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name likely lived near a shallow crossing point in a stream or a marshy area. By the time the name became established in London during the early 17th century, it had evolved from a descriptive term into a formal family identifier. The presence of the Wade family in London by 1608 reflects the broader movement of people toward the capital during the Tudor and Stuart eras. As the city grew into a major hub for trade and government, families like the Wades integrated into the urban landscape, transitioning from rural origins to the bustling life of a growing metropolis.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Az. on a saltire erm. fimbriated or, betw. four escallops of the last an eagle's head erased sa”
SwedenChristianstadt, c. 1700
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Map of Sweden showing where the Wade arms are recorded
The Wade arms were recorded in Christianstadt, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Carl XII of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Carl XII of Sweden
1697–1718
Reigning in England when the Wade arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Wade Family in Sweden
The family name Wade in Sweden carries a history rooted in the urban growth of Stockholm during the early 18th century. While the name itself has deep roots in Old English, its presence in the Swedish capital by 1700 suggests that early family members were likely part of the growing class of merchants or skilled craftsmen who moved to the city during the Swedish Empire period. During this time, Stockholm was a bustling hub of international trade, attracting people from across Northern Europe who sought new opportunities in the expanding Baltic economy. These early ancestors likely integrated into the local society by adopting the linguistic patterns of the region while maintaining the distinct identity of their surname. As they settled into the city, they became part of the complex social fabric of Stockholm, contributing to the professional and civic life of a capital city that was rapidly modernizing at the turn of the century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. a saltire ar. in the chief quarter the star of the Order of Runjeet Sing ppr. in the flanks and base an escallop or”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Wade arms are recorded
The Wade arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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 I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Wade 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 Wade Family in Ireland
The history of the Wade family in Ireland is deeply connected to the social and political shifts of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots in Old English, it became firmly established in Dublin by 1645 as the city served as a center for trade and administration. During this period, families with the surname Wade were often involved in the professional and mercantile life of the capital. These early settlers were part of a larger movement of people who moved into urban areas to support the growing colonial infrastructure. As the century progressed, the family expanded their influence across the region through land management and civic participation. Their presence in the city records from the mid-1600s highlights how the family integrated into the local economy during a time of significant transition for the Irish landscape.
Wade Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
wadan
to go or to advance through water or land
This name
Wadea topographic name for someone who lived near a river crossing or ford
also spelled
Waid
Related arms
Waudvariant spelling
Waydvariant spelling
Battrecorded with Wade, same area
Coddrecorded with Wade, same area
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
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, 1603–1610
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1608
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