A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Amsden family of England.
Reg. 6634 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three sinister wings gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Amsden Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Amsden arms are recorded
The Amsden 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 Amsden 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 Amsden Family in England
The Amsden family name is rooted in the geography of medieval England, likely originating as a topographic surname for people who lived near a specific valley or wooded area. By the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade and administration, placing the family in a bustling urban environment during a time of significant social change. As the 1600s progressed, some individuals bearing the name chose to leave these English roots behind to seek new opportunities in the American colonies. This migration pattern was typical for families of that era who were looking to establish land holdings and build new lives across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Amundr
Old Norse name derived from elements meaning ancestral spirit and protection.
This name
AmsdenA locational surname referring to a valley belonging to a person named Amund.
also spelled
Amsdon
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 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
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
