A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barnham family of England.
Reg. 4129 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a cross engr. betw. four crescents ar”
KentSouthwick Hants · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Barnham Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Barnham arms are recorded
The Barnham arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Barnham 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Barnham Family in England
The surname Barnham is a locational name, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal trait. It is derived from Old English words that translate to a homestead or enclosure near a barn. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Kent, particularly around the town of Maidstone. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were active in this region, where they were often involved in local commerce and land ownership. During this period, the family became well-integrated into the social fabric of southeastern England, contributing to the agricultural and civic life of their community. As the family grew, their influence spread through the county, leaving a lasting mark on the local history of Kent.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beorn-ham
Old English elements meaning warrior or bear and a homestead or settlement.
This name
BarnhamRefers to an individual living at a homestead belonging to a warrior.
also spelled
Barneham
Bernham
Barnam
Related arms
Barnamvariant spelling
Bernhamvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Kent Archives, Maidstone Parish Records, P240/1/1
Hasted, Edward, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, 1797
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
