Map of England showing where the Argyle arms are recorded
The Argyle arms were recorded in Westmoreland, c. 1620.
Westmorland was fell country in the north-west, farmed in small holdings by families who stayed put. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on for generations ended up with 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 Argyle 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 Westmoreland.
Origin & History of the Argyle Family in England
The family name Argyle is deeply connected to the rugged landscapes of the British Isles, with its roots tracing back to the Gaelic region of Argyll in western Scotland. The name itself is derived from the Old Irish term *Airgíalla*, which refers to the people of the eastern territory. By the early 17th century, members of the family had migrated south, and historical records confirm their presence in Westmoreland, England, by 1620. During this period, families often moved across borders to seek new opportunities in agriculture or trade. These early settlers in Westmoreland were part of a broader movement of people who carried their regional identities with them as they established roots in new communities. Over time, the name evolved from a geographic descriptor into a stable family surname that marked the lineage of those who had traveled from the Scottish highlands to the northern English counties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Earra-Ghàidheal
Coastland of the Gaels
This name
ArgyleA habitational surname originating from a region in western Scotland.
also spelled
Argill
Argyle
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Parish Church Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
