Map of England showing where the Ballew arms are recorded
The Ballew arms were recorded in Westminster, c. 1620.
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 Ballew 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 Ballew Family in England
The surname Ballew is a variation of the French name Belleau, which translates to beautiful water. Early records confirm that members of the family were living in Westminster by 1620, a time when the area was a bustling center of English political and social life. Many families with this name likely migrated from France to England to escape religious persecution or to seek new economic opportunities during the seventeenth century. As they settled into their new home, the spelling of the name often shifted to match the way it sounded to English speakers. Over time, these early settlers became part of the fabric of London society before many eventually crossed the Atlantic to establish roots in the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ball
A medieval nickname derived from the Old English word for round.
This name
BallewA patronymic surname indicating a descendant of someone known as the round or bald one.
also spelled
Ballew
Balloe
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
