A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Appleton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8920 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. three pine-apples erect ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Appleton Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Appleton arms are recorded
The Appleton 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 United States when the Appleton 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 Appleton Family in England
The surname Appleton is a classic example of a locative name, meaning it was originally adopted by families who lived near a specific landmark. In Old English, the word *æppel-tun* described an orchard or an enclosed garden where apple trees grew. Families living near these productive patches of land began using the name to identify themselves as the community grew. By the early 17th century, the Appleton family had established a notable presence in York, a city with deep roots dating back to Roman times. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were active in this historic northern hub, likely participating in the local trade and social life that defined the city during the Stuart era. Because York was a major center for commerce and religion, families living there often held positions of influence, helping the name spread through local parish registers and legal documents as the family navigated the changing landscape of early modern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
æppel-tun
Old English for apple orchard or a settlement near apple trees.
This name
AppletonA locational surname referring to someone who lived near an orchard of apple trees.
also spelled
Appletone
Apleton
Appylton
Aplyton
Related arms
Apelton, Apleby, and Apulbyvariant spelling
Appultonvariant spelling
Apultonvariant spelling
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.
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
