Map of England showing where the Andrews arms are recorded
The Andrews arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1529.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Andrews 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Andrews Family in England
The surname Andrews is a patronymic name, which means it originated from the given name Andrew. In the medieval period, it became common for people to identify themselves by adding the suffix "s" to their father’s name to signify they were the son of that individual. The name Andrew itself comes from the Greek word Andreas, meaning manly or brave, and it gained widespread popularity across Europe due to the influence of Saint Andrew. By the time the family was firmly established in Worcester in 1529, the name had already been in use for several generations as a way to track lineage within local communities. Families with this name were often involved in the trade and civic life of growing English market towns, where they contributed to the local economy and social structure. Over time, the name solidified into a permanent hereditary surname that was passed down through the generations from father to son.
Andrews Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Andreas
Derived from the Greek word for man or manly.
This name
AndrewsA patronymic surname meaning son of Andrew, signifying a masculine or valiant individual.
also spelled
Andrus
Andress
Androwes
Andrues
Related arms
Adamsrecorded with Andrews, same area
Dolmanrecorded with Andrews, same area
Egertonrecorded with Andrews, same area
Eringtonrecorded with Andrews, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester City Records: Court Rolls and Quarter Sessions, 1529
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
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
