A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wilding family of England.
Reg. 6340 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a cinquefoil gu. on a chief of the last a demi lion issuant of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Wilding Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Wilding arms are recorded
The Wilding arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Wilding 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 Wilding Family in England
The surname Wilding is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person with a spirited or untamed personality. It is derived from the Old English word wilde, which suggests someone who lived in a wild or uncultivated area. By the early seventeenth century, members of the Wilding family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 show that these individuals were integrated into the local community, likely working as tradespeople or merchants within the city walls. As York was a major center for commerce and religion during this era, families like the Wildings often played a steady role in the local economy and civic life. Over time, the name spread from these northern roots to other parts of England, carrying with it a history tied to the rugged landscapes and bustling towns of the past.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wilde
Old English word meaning untamed, wild, or uncultivated.
This name
WildingA patronymic or descriptive term referring to the son of a wild or fierce person.
also spelled
Wylding
Wildyng
Related arms
Waltdene, Weltden, or Weldonsimilar arms
Weldonesimilar arms
Weltdensimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
