Map of England showing where the Weldon arms are recorded
The Weldon arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with 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 Weldon 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Weldon Family in England
The surname Weldon originates from Old English roots, specifically derived from the words "well" and "dun," which together describe a hill near a spring or stream. While the name is associated with various locations across England, the family established a notable presence in Berkshire by the early 17th century. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Weldon family were settled in this region, where they likely participated in the agricultural and local administrative life typical of the English countryside during the Stuart period. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social fabric of their communities, often serving in local roles that helped maintain the stability of their parishes. This transition from regional landholders to established residents reflects the broader movement of families who helped define the character of rural England during this era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a cinquefoil pierced ar. in chief a demi lion ramp. couped or, a mullet for diff”
KildareAthy · Kildare, c. 1634
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 Weldon arms are recorded
The Weldon arms were recorded in Kildare, c. 1634.
Kildare was flat grazing country close to Dublin, taken early by Norman families. Being near the seat of government meant being near where arms were recorded, which is why so many Kildare names appear.
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 Weldon 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 Kildare.
Origin & History of the Weldon Family in Ireland
The Weldon family established a significant presence in County Kildare by 1634, marking their integration into the social and political landscape of seventeenth-century Ireland. The name is of English origin, likely derived from a location name meaning "hill of the spring," but the family quickly became deeply embedded in Irish local administration and landholding. By the mid-1600s, members of the family were active in the governance of the region, often serving in roles that required close ties to the colonial administration of the time. Their settlement in Kildare coincided with a period of intense land redistribution, which allowed families of English descent to secure estates and influence the development of the local economy. Throughout the seventeenth century, the Weldons navigated the complex shifts in Irish power, transitioning from new arrivals to established landowners who played a functional role in the management of the county.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wielle and dun
Old English for spring or well and a hill or down.
This name
WeldonDerived from a location meaning a hill near a spring or stream.
also spelled
Weldun
Welden
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
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
The National Archives, Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
