A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alcock family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8946 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a fesse betw. three cocks' heads erased ar. beaked and crested or”
NorthamptonSilvertoft · Northampton, c. 1616
Where the Alcock Arms Were Recorded
Northampton
Map of England showing where the Alcock arms are recorded
The Alcock arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1616.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Alcock arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Northampton.
Origin & History of the Alcock Family in England
The surname Alcock is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Hal or Alec. These names were common nicknames for Henry or Alexander during the Middle Ages in England. By the time the family was firmly established in Northampton by 1616, the name had already been in use for several centuries across various English shires. Families bearing this name were often involved in the local agricultural or mercantile economies that defined life in English market towns. As the name spread through different regions, it became a stable identifier for families who were integrated into the social and legal structures of their local parishes. The presence of the Alcock family in Northampton during the early seventeenth century reflects the broader trend of families settling into specific geographic areas where they would remain for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Per pale or and az. a chev. betw. three eagles displ. all counterchanged, on a chief gu. three lozenges erm”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Alcock Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Alcock arms are recorded
The Alcock arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Alcock arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Alcock Family in Ireland
The Alcock family name has a distinct history in Ireland that traces back to the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1645, a time when the city was a major center for trade and political activity. The name itself is of English origin, likely derived from a nickname for the name Alexander, and it arrived in Ireland during a period of significant migration and social change. As these early settlers integrated into Dublin society, they often became involved in the professional and civic life of the capital. Over the following generations, the family expanded their influence beyond the city, eventually establishing roots in various parts of the country. This transition from newcomers to established residents reflects the broader patterns of movement that shaped the Irish population during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hal
A medieval diminutive of the Germanic name Henry meaning home ruler.
This name
AlcockA patronymic surname meaning son of little Hal or son of Halcock.
also spelled
Alcox
Related arms
Richardsrecorded with Alcock, same area
Shearmanrecorded with Alcock, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Northamptonshire Archives, Parish Register Transcripts for Northampton St Sepulchre, 1616
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
