Map of England showing where the Bee arms are recorded
The Bee arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Bee 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Bee Family in England
The family name Bee has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical evidence placing members of the family in the city of Lincoln as early as 1620. During this period, the name was likely a topographic or occupational surname, often given to people who lived near a prominent landmark or those who worked in a specific trade. In the seventeenth century, Lincoln was a bustling center of commerce and administration, and families like the Bees were often involved in the local merchant guilds or the agricultural life surrounding the cathedral city. As the family established itself in Lincolnshire, they became part of the local social fabric, navigating the significant political and religious shifts that defined England during the reign of King James I. By settling in such a historic urban hub, the early Bee family members participated in the steady growth of English society, leaving behind records in parish registers and legal documents that trace their presence through the generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crabSteadfast defence that yields no ground
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. on a fess wavy betw. three scorpions' heads erased ar. three cinquefoils of the field”
DublinDublin, c. 1617
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Map of Ireland showing where the Bee arms are recorded
The Bee arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1617.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Bee arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Bee Family in Ireland
The history of the Bee family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting social landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name likely originated from English or occupational roots, members of the family were firmly established in Dublin by 1617. During this period, Dublin served as a bustling center for trade and administration, attracting settlers who sought new opportunities within the city walls. Records from the early 1600s suggest that the Bee family integrated into the local urban community, participating in the economic life of the capital as it expanded under the influence of the English administration. Their presence in the city during this time indicates that they were part of the growing merchant or professional class that helped shape Dublin’s development. By settling in the heart of the city, the family became part of the complex social fabric that defined Ireland’s capital during a time of significant political transition.
Bee Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Beo
Old English word meaning bee or a nickname for a busy person.
This name
BeeA topographic name for someone living near a beehive or a nickname for an industrious individual.
also spelled
Beeh
Beh
Related arms
Iverssame arms
Everssimilar arms
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
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln Consistory Court Wills and Inventories, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crabSteadfast defence that yields no ground
cinquefoilHope and joy
