A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wardy family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 8283 · French, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à la croix d'arg., acc. au 1 d'un écusson d'azur, couronné d'or et ch. d'une fleur-de-lis du même. S.: deux taureaux reg. au nat D.: SAGACITER, FIDELITER, CONSTANTER.”
Francec. 1725
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Map of France showing where the Wardy arms are recorded
The Wardy 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 Wardy 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 Wardy Family in France
The history of the Wardy family in France is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of the Brittany region, where records confirm their presence as early as 1725. During the eighteenth century, Brittany was a province defined by its distinct Celtic heritage and a strong sense of local identity that set it apart from the rest of the French kingdom. Families living in this coastal area often worked in maritime trades or small-scale agriculture, navigating the complex social structures of a region that maintained its own provincial laws and customs. The name itself likely evolved from local linguistic traditions, reflecting the way families were identified within their specific parishes and village communities. By establishing roots in this area during the early 1700s, the Wardy family became part of the long history of Breton settlers who shaped the cultural and economic life of the western French coastline.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Chequy or and az. a bend erm. Crest (granted by Dethick, Garter, 24 Nov”
NorfolkBexley · Norfolk, c. 1363
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Map of England showing where the Wardy arms are recorded
The Wardy arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1363.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in France when the Wardy 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Wardy Family in England
The family name Wardy finds its roots in the social and geographical landscape of medieval England. By 1363, records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Norfolk. During this period, surnames were often derived from a person’s occupation, a specific location, or a notable personal trait. The name likely evolved from an older term related to a guardian or a watchman, reflecting the duties individuals held within their local communities. As the family settled into the Norfolk countryside, they became part of the growing network of landowners and tradespeople who shaped the regional economy. Their presence in the historical record during the fourteenth century suggests they were integrated into the local parish systems, which served as the primary way of organizing life, taxes, and community identity in rural England at the time.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. on a chev. betw. three martlets sa. as many bezants”
DublinDublin, c. 1656
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Map of Ireland showing where the Wardy arms are recorded
The Wardy arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1656.
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.
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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Wardy Family in Ireland
The family name Wardy has deep roots in the urban landscape of seventeenth-century Ireland, particularly within the city of Dublin. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established residents of the capital by 1656, a time when the city was undergoing significant social and political changes. During this period, families like the Wardys were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that helped shape the city’s economy. Because Dublin served as the primary hub for administration and trade, the presence of the family there suggests they were integrated into the civic life of the capital during the mid-1600s. While the name is relatively rare, its early appearance in official city documents highlights the family’s long-standing connection to the development of Dublin as a center of commerce and community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Warda
Old Germanic term referring to a guard or watchman.
This name
WardyA surname indicating an ancestor who served as a sentry or protector.
also spelled
Warde
Wardt
Vard
Wart
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série B, Fonds de l'Amirauté de Quimper
Croix, Alain, La Bretagne aux 16e et 17e siècles: la vie, la mort, la foi, 1981
Le Moigne, Frédéric, Histoire de la Bretagne, 2005
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
