Map of England showing where the Athwal arms are recorded
The Athwal arms were recorded in Sherborne, 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 Athwal 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 Athwal Family in England
The history of the Athwal family name is rooted in a long tradition of migration and settlement. While the name is most commonly associated with the Punjab region of South Asia, historical records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established in the city of York as early as 1620. This suggests that early family members were part of a small but significant group of travelers or merchants who navigated the complex trade networks connecting the East and the West during the seventeenth century. By settling in a major northern English hub like York, these early ancestors likely integrated into the local economy and social fabric of the time. Their presence in such an early English record highlights the long-standing history of global movement that has shaped the family identity for centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ath
Derived from the Sanskrit word for eight or a place name.
This name
AthwalA surname of Jat origin historically associated with the Punjab region of India.
also spelled
Athail
Athale
Athaile
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey, 1620
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York: Register of Admissions, 1620
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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
