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Coat of Arms

A Chevron between three leopards' faces sable.

The chevron denotes Protection and was usually granted as an augmentation award.

The leopard in English heraldry represents the brave and hardy warrior who essays difficult tasks through Force and Courage

Crest

The ducal coronet (or crown) with eagle.

The coronet signifies Majesty and Victory.

The eagle is an emblem of Intelligence and Magnanimity of Mind

Motto

"Avito jure"  -  By ancient right

History

The English surname Wheeler is occupational in origin, which was one of the most common means of identification in the period prior to the establishment of a formal hereditary surname system.

Wheeler, then, denotes simply "a wheeler, a maker of wheels".  The word wheeler itself comes from the Old English "hweogol".  This surname, representing an occupation of great importance in the pre-industrial age, is naturally found in large numbers and many variant forms, among them Whealler, Wailer, Wayler, and Wheller.  It was first recorded as long ago as 1273, when a Hugh le Welere is listed in the Hundred Rolls for Cambridge.

The surname was established in the America colonies at an early date, as a list of passengers to be transported from London to Virginia in May, 1635, on the ship Plaine Joan included one "Edward Wheeler, 18 years of age".
 

Note:  Family name history and coat of arms information obtained from The Historical Research Center, Inc.