A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Armorer family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5310 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
gauntletA challenge given and the readiness to meet it
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a chev. ar. betw. three sinister gauntlets or, two palets betw. three half fleurs-de-lis split paleways”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Armorer Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Armorer arms are recorded
The Armorer arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Armorer 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 Armorer Family in England
The surname Armorer originated as a descriptive occupational name, identifying individuals who were skilled in the craft of forging protective metal gear for soldiers and knights. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in London, a city that served as the primary hub for trade and specialized craftsmanship in England. During this period, the name was closely tied to the bustling guild system, where master metalworkers passed down their technical knowledge to younger generations. As London grew into a global center for commerce in 1620, families like the Armorers played a vital role in the city’s infrastructure by supplying essential equipment for both local defense and maritime expeditions. This transition from a specific job title to a permanent family name reflects the way many English citizens identified themselves through their contributions to the professional life of their community.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
helmetWisdom and security in defence
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. a chev. betw. three dexter arms in armour embowed and couped ar”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Armorer Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Armorer arms are recorded
The Armorer arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Armorer arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Armorer Family in Ireland
The name Armorer first appears in the historical record of Dublin during the mid-seventeenth century, a period defined by significant social and political upheaval in Ireland. By 1645, individuals bearing this surname were established in the city, likely drawn to the capital by its role as a center for trade, administration, and military logistics. Given the literal meaning of the name, it is probable that the earliest members of the family were skilled craftsmen who maintained, repaired, or manufactured metal equipment for the local garrisons. As Dublin grew into a bustling hub of commerce, these families integrated into the urban fabric, transitioning from specialized labor roles into the broader merchant and administrative classes that defined the city’s development during the seventeenth century. Their presence in the capital during this era suggests they were part of a wave of settlers and professionals who helped shape the civic life of Dublin as it navigated the transition between the medieval and modern periods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Armurer
Old French term for a maker of armor or weapons.
This name
ArmorerAn occupational surname for a craftsman who manufactured defensive armor and protective gear.
also spelled
Armourer
Related arms
Armourervariant 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
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain, 1890
The National Archives (UK), Records of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, Series MS 12059
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
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
gauntletA challenge given and the readiness to meet it
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
gauntletA challenge given and the readiness to meet it
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
helmetWisdom and security in defence
