A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ann family of England.
Reg. 8242 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
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. three bucks' heads erased ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ann Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ann arms are recorded
The Ann 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 Ann 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 Ann Family in England
The family name Ann has deep roots in northern England, particularly within the historic city of York. By the early 17th century, members of the family were well-established residents of this region. The name likely evolved from the medieval personal name Anne, which was derived from the Hebrew word for grace. During the 1600s, surnames were becoming increasingly fixed, and families often adopted names based on their ancestors or local landmarks. Records from 1620 confirm that the Ann family was active in York during a time of significant social and economic change in England. Their presence in such a prominent administrative and religious center suggests they were integrated into the local community life of the era. As the family grew, they contributed to the local history of Yorkshire through their trades and their involvement in the city’s parish records.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hannah
Derived from the Hebrew word channah meaning grace or favor.
This name
AnnA classic English name signifying grace, mercy, and divine favor.
also spelled
Anness
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
York Minster Library and Archives, Parish Registers of York, 1620
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stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
