A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beckman family of England.
Reg. 8155 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per fesse dancettée or and ar. a lion ramp. az. in chief a pellet betw. two crosses crosslet gu. and in base a cross crosslet of the last betw. two pellets”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Beckman Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Beckman arms are recorded
The Beckman arms were recorded in London, 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 Beckman 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 Beckman Family in England
The surname Beckman is rooted in the Germanic languages, where it is traditionally translated as "brook man" or "stream man." This name likely identified an individual who lived near a small river or a flowing body of water. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in London, as evidenced by records from 1620. During this era, London was a bustling center for trade and immigration, drawing many people from Northern Europe to settle in the city. The Beckman family members who arrived in England during this time were part of a larger movement of merchants and skilled workers who helped shape the city’s growing economy. Over time, the name became firmly integrated into English society, evolving from its descriptive origins into a permanent family identifier that persisted through generations of London life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bece and mann
Old English for stream or brook and a person or man.
This name
BeckmanA dweller by a stream or brook.
also spelled
Bekman
Bekmann
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
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
