The crest on Plate 11, Image 4 (Pl. 11. cr. 4.) is described as a demi-griffon (or griffin), often depicted rampant, segreant, or with wings expanded (variations include holding a cross, wings indorsed, or gutteé).
Surnames:
- Akarys (England)
- Akaster (England)
- Aunger (London)
- Ballantyne (Scotland)
- Ballard (England)
- Bannatyne (Scotland)
- Blackmore (England)
- Bradfoot (Scotland)
- Bradfute (Scotland)
- Braidfoot (Scotland)
- Cater (Berkshire)
- Cater (Huntingdonshire)
- Cater (Leicestershire)
- Cater (London)
- Chetum (Clayton, Lancashire)
- Cockshutt (Lancashire)
- Cockshutt (Shropshire)
- Cuff (England)
- Diddier (England)
- Dugdale (England)
- Forsyth (Nidie)
- Forsyth (Failzerton)
- Gillam (England)
- Godfrey (England)
- Grantham (Gotho, Lincolnshire)
- Greenhill (London)
- Greenhill (England)
- Hall (Dundee)
- Hancocke (Combe Martin, Devonshire)
- Hanger (Earl of Coleraine)
- Holmes (Hamphall, Yorkshire)
- Lane (Twickenham, Middlesex)
- Lesly (Earl of Rothes)
- Lewis (Sutton Magna, Shropshire)
- M’George (Scotland)
- M’Haffie (Scotland)
- Majorebanks (Scotland)
- Marjoribanks (Bowbardie)
- Meverell (Throwley, Staffordshire)
- Morley (England)
- Morwell
- Mountstephen (Colompton, Devonshire)
- Mountsteven (Devonshire)
- Newcourt (Pickwell, Devonshire)
- Niven (Shonsburgh)
- Orme (Fifeshire)
- Pateshall (Laford, Herefordshire)
- Pigeon (Deptford, Kent)
- Randall (Ireland)
- Reeves (England)
- Regan (Ireland)
- Rix (England)
- Rosson (England)
- Scot (Sussex)
- Scot (Scotshall, Kent)
- Shadwell (England)
- Steadman (England)
- Swayne (Gundvile, Dorsetshire)
- Swayne (Blandford, Dorsetshire)
Symbolism
Demi-Griffon (or Griffin): The griffon is a mythical creature combining the head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion. It is a powerful symbol of vigilance, bravery, and strength, representing the combined qualities of the king of beasts and the king of birds. As a guardian of treasure in mythology, it signifies a safe-keeper and a warrior who is both watchful and valiant. The “demi” aspect refers to the upper half of the creature, maintaining the full symbolic weight of the beast while indicating a specific lineage or cadet branch in some contexts.
General Symbolic Meanings
The griffon represents a perfect fusion of intelligence and physical power. It suggests a lineage known for its boldness in action and its unwavering protection of its home and honor. The presence of specific variations, such as holding a cross or being “segreant” (ready to fly/fight), adds layers of meaning related to religious faith or readiness for battle.