A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bekins family of England.
Reg. 4607 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a bend engr. sa. a label of three points gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bekins Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bekins arms are recorded
The Bekins arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Bekins 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 Bekins Family in England
The Bekins family name traces its roots back to the historic city of York, England, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, and families like the Bekins were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes that defined the city’s economy. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older Northern English or Germanic surnames, likely evolving as families moved through the region and adapted to local dialects. By establishing themselves in a major urban hub like York, early Bekins ancestors were positioned at the crossroads of English social and economic life, which provided them with opportunities to participate in the growing industries of the seventeenth century. This early presence in such a significant historical city suggests that the family was well-settled and active in their community long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Becca
Old English term for a mattock or a digging tool.
This name
BekinsA patronymic surname derived from a nickname for someone who used a mattock.
also spelled
Bekyns
Beckins
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 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
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
