My direct paternal ancestor arrived in America in 1663, settling in old Rappahannock County, Virginia. His name was Meader and family tradition is that he emigrated from Bristol, England. The name changed to Meador two generations later. We are an offshoot of the Meadows family.
Meadows / Meador Coat of Arms
The Meadows coat of arms originated at Wytnesham, Norfolk County, England in 1188. It consists of a sable (black) shield with an azure (blue) chevron. The shield is divided into three sections. On two of these is a pelican plucking its breast with its beak, leaving a gules (red) spot of blood. This is a symbol of self-sacrifice, arising from a myth that pelicans wounded themselves to feed their young in times of famine. On the third section of the shield is a statant (standing) lion, a peaceful but wary stance symbolizing the guarding of home and country. The motto below the shield, Mea dos virtus, translates as, “My gift is virtue.”
