A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alpe family of England.
Reg. 3338 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Az. a fesse erm. betw. three alpes ar”
NorfolkGressenhall · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Alpe Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Alpe arms are recorded
The Alpe arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Alpe 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Alpe Family in England
The surname Alpe is a locational name that likely originated from individuals living near high ground or hills, as the term is rooted in Old English and Germanic words for elevated terrain. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Norfolk, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Alpe family were active in this region during a time of significant social and agricultural change. During this period, families in Norfolk were often deeply connected to the land, working as farmers or local traders within their parishes. This geographic stability suggests that the Alpe name was well-integrated into the local community, allowing the family to maintain a consistent identity in East Anglia for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aelf
An Old English term referring to a supernatural being or elf.
This name
AlpeDerived from a nickname for someone thought to possess elfin qualities or appearance.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk, 1885
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for Norfolk, 1620
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
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
