Map of England showing where the Ware arms are recorded
The Ware arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Ware 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Ware Family in England
The surname Ware is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, originating as a topographic name for people who lived near a weir, which is a small dam built across a river to control water flow or aid in fishing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon, a region defined by its rugged coastline and deep river valleys. During this period, the name was associated with families who were often deeply connected to the local agricultural and maritime life of the West Country. As the 1620s approached, members of the Ware family were part of the social fabric of Devon, living in communities that relied on the very river systems that likely gave the name its original meaning. These early ancestors were part of the steady migration and settlement patterns that defined English life before the great waves of transatlantic travel began to shift the family’s geography.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 chief or, three sinister wings erect of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1604
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Ware arms are recorded
The Ware arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1604.
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 Ware 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Ware Family in Ireland
The history of the Ware family in Ireland is closely tied to the shifting political landscape of the early seventeenth century. While the name itself has roots in England, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1604. During this period, the family became deeply integrated into the administrative and intellectual life of the city. They often held positions within the government or the church, which allowed them to influence the development of Dublin during a time of rapid transition. By settling in the capital, the Wares became part of a group of families who helped shape the legal and historical documentation of the country. Their presence in the city reflects the broader movement of people across the Irish Sea who sought to build new lives and careers in a changing society.
Ware Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
waru
Old English term referring to a weir or a fish trap.
This name
WareA topographic name for someone who lived near a weir or dam on a river.
also spelled
Waren
Wair
Related arms
Peneystonerecorded with Ware, same area
Pulleyrecorded with Ware, same area
Radclifferecorded with Ware, same area
Richardsonrecorded with Ware, same area
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
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
