Map of England showing where the Willard arms are recorded
The Willard arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1620.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in the heraldic records.
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 Willard 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Willard Family in England
The surname Willard is of ancient English origin, likely derived from the Old English personal name Willheard, which combines the elements for "will" or "desire" and "brave" or "hardy." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Sussex, particularly around the village of Horsham. Records from this period show that members of the Willard family were active members of their local communities, often working as yeoman farmers or tradesmen who held land and participated in parish life. This regional stability allowed the family to grow and eventually participate in the great migrations to the American colonies during the 1630s, where they helped shape the early development of New England. The name remains a testament to these early roots in the English countryside, reflecting a long history of agricultural and civic involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wilheard
Derived from the Germanic elements wil meaning desire and hard meaning brave.
This name
WillardA surname originating from the Old English personal name meaning resolute protector or brave desire.
also spelled
Wyllard
Related arms
Burtonrecorded with Willard, same area
Gildridgerecorded with Willard, same area
Smithrecorded with Willard, same area
Turnerrecorded with Willard, 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
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
West Sussex Record Office, Parish Registers of Horsham, St Mary the Virgin, 1540–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
