Map of England showing where the Astin arms are recorded
The Astin 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 Astin 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 Astin Family in England
The family name Astin is rooted in the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. The name likely originated as a patronymic, which means it was derived from the first name of a father or ancestor. In this case, Astin is thought to be a variation of the Old English name Asketin or the Old Norse name Ásketill. These names were common in Northern England during the Middle Ages, reflecting the strong influence of Scandinavian settlers in the region. By the seventeenth century, families in York were often involved in local trade and craft guilds, which helped them establish deep roots in the city. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the local economy and community life for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Asketill
Old Norse name meaning god-cauldron or divine sacrificial vessel.
This name
AstinA patronymic surname derived from the Old Norse name Asketill, signifying a descendant of the divine cauldron.
also spelled
Astin
Aston
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Smith, A.H., The Place-Names of the East Riding of Yorkshire and York, 1937
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York Registers
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
