A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Athill family of England.
Reg. 3734 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a chev. sa. three pears or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Athill Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Athill arms are recorded
The Athill 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 Athill 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 Athill Family in England
The surname Athill likely originated as a topographical name, describing someone who lived near a hill or a specific elevated piece of land. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Athill family were active in this region, which was a major center for trade and administration in Northern England at the time. During this period, families often settled in urban hubs to participate in the growing merchant class or to serve in local government roles. While the name remains relatively rare, its deep roots in York suggest that the family was well-integrated into the social and economic life of the city during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethel
Old English element meaning noble or of noble birth.
This name
AthillDerived from a topographic location or habitational name referring to a noble hill or settlement.
also spelled
Athyll
Related arms
Athelvariant spelling
Athellvariant spelling
Athyllvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Smith, David M., The Church in Medieval York, 1999
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
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
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
