A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Arnett family of England.
Reg. 9853 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gyronny of eight sa. and or, on a chief ar. a galley the sails furled of the first flags gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Arnett Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Arnett arms are recorded
The Arnett 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 Arnett 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 Arnett Family in England
The surname Arnett has deep roots in the northern English city of York, where records confirm the family was well-established by the year 1620. The name likely originated as a diminutive form of the name Arnold, which combines the Germanic elements for eagle and power. During the seventeenth century, families in York often lived near the city walls or worked in the bustling trade guilds that defined the local economy. As the Arnett family grew, they became part of the social fabric of this historic cathedral city, witnessing the political and religious shifts that shaped England during the Stuart period. By maintaining a presence in such a significant urban center, the early Arnetts were likely involved in the commercial life of the region, helping to build the legacy that the name carries today.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Arn
Derived from the Germanic word for eagle.
This name
ArnettA diminutive form meaning little eagle, historically used as a nickname for a brave person.
also spelled
Arnotte
Related arms
Arnottvariant 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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
flag / pennantA command held, and a following kept
