Blazon
of Arms: Gules a chevron (another engrailed)
between three griffins head's erased argent.The English surname 'Aldred' is patronoymic in origin, being
one of those surnames based on the first name of the father. in this instance,
the surname is derived from the old English word 'Ealread' meaning 'old counsel'
or alternatively form 'Aedelraed', meaning 'noble counsel', which appears in
the Domesday Book in 1086 as 'Ailred' and 'Aldrel'. In the middle ages it was
not unusual to name a person according to their fathers name as it provided
a simple means of identification for his neighbours; an easy way of distinguishing
him from others in the community.
Early recorded instances of the the name in their original form as personal
names are numerous and are listed in the Domesday Book. Early instances of the
surname date back th the twelfth century and include the mention of one 'Rodger
Aldredus' who appeared in the 'Pipe Rolls' for Devonshire in 1207. Another early
recorded reference includes 'Magdalen Aldred' who married William Hawke in 1550
(London Marriage Licence). A noteable bearer of the surname included Aldred,
Achbishop of York (d. 1069), a diplomatist who was sent to Germany by Edward
the Confessor and crowned William the Conqueror in 1066 after the Norman invasion.
Variants of the surname include Alldread, Alldril, Eldred and Aldried.
Blazon
of Arms: Gules a chevron (another engrailed)
between three griffins head's erased argent.
Translation: Gules or Red denotes military fortitude and magnanimity.
The chevron signifies protection. The griffin represents valor, vigilance and
perseverance.
Crest: An arm from the elbow in armor holding
a cross crosslet fitched in pale.
Origin: England.