A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ambers family of England.
Reg. 5162 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 chev. betw. three rowels or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ambers Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ambers arms are recorded
The Ambers arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Ambers 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 England.
Origin & History of the Ambers Family in England
The surname Ambers is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name rooted in the Old French word "ambre," which refers to the fossilized resin known as amber. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Ambers family were active participants in the local community during this period of significant social and economic transition. As residents of a major northern trade hub, these early ancestors likely engaged in the merchant activities or craft guilds that defined York at the time. By settling in such a prominent urban center, the family became part of the long-standing tradition of English civic life, helping to preserve their name through generations of local record-keeping and community involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ambr-
Derived from the Germanic word for immortal or divine.
This name
AmbersA locational or occupational surname referring to someone who lived near or worked with amber resin.
also spelled
Ambar
Ambars
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
