A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aveling family of England.
Reg. 2758 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a griffin pass. ar. on a chief engr. or, a cross crosslet fitchée of the field”
EnglandWisbeach, c. 1620
Where the Aveling Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Aveling arms are recorded
The Aveling arms were recorded in Wisbeach, 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 Aveling 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 Aveling Family in England
The surname Aveling is rooted in the medieval period and likely evolved from the Old French name Aveline, which was a popular given name brought to England after the Norman Conquest. Over several centuries, this name transitioned from a personal identifier into a hereditary surname as families began to settle in specific regions. By the early 17th century, the Aveling family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the family were living there by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade, religion, and local government. Families living in York during this era were often involved in the city’s thriving guild system or local commerce, which helped them secure their place in the community. Through these early residents, the Aveling name became part of the long and complex social history of Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Avila
Derived from the Germanic element avi meaning desired or wished for.
This name
AvelingA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person bearing the name Avila or Aveline.
also spelled
Avelin
Avelyn
Related arms
Buckrecorded with Aveling, same area
Cobbrecorded with Aveling, same area
Gouldwellrecorded with Aveling, same area
Parkerecorded with Aveling, same area
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
