A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barrell family of England.
Reg. 6870 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Erm. on a chief az. a talbot's head in the dexter point couped az. eared gu”
HerefordshireHerefordshire, c. 1620
Where the Barrell Arms Were Recorded
Herefordshire
Map of England showing where the Barrell arms are recorded
The Barrell arms were recorded in Herefordshire, 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 Barrell 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 Herefordshire.
Origin & History of the Barrell Family in England
The surname Barrell is classified as an occupational name, which means it likely originated from a person’s trade or daily work during the Middle Ages. Historians believe the name was first used to describe a maker or a seller of wooden barrels, which were essential containers for storing goods like ale, salted meat, and grain. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Barrell family were well-established in the county of Herefordshire in England. During this period, families in rural areas often lived in small agricultural communities where they relied on local crafts to sustain their livelihoods. The presence of the Barrell name in Herefordshire suggests that these early ancestors were likely settled, working-class individuals who contributed to the local economy through their trade skills and farming activities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baril
Old French term for a small wooden container or cask.
This name
BarrellAn occupational name for a maker or seller of wooden barrels.
also spelled
Barrall
Related arms
Barrallvariant spelling
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Herefordshire Archives and Records Centre, Parish Registers of Herefordshire, 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
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
