George Calvert (Lord Baltimore) received a charter to the colonies from King Charles I of England which specified a name. It was to be called Maryland in honor of the King's wife Henrietta Maria (Queen Mary).

The coat of arms that make up the flag design were taken from two coats of arms and adopted by Lord Baltimore. the alternating yellow and black geometric patterns are from Lord Calvert's family shield. the red and white design is thought to be from his maternal family, the Crosslands, or his wife's family, the Mynnes.

The state flag of Maryland was officially adopted in the year 1904. It remains the only US state flag based on British coats of arms.