Map of England showing where the Bellows arms are recorded
The Bellows arms were recorded in Lancashire, 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 Bellows 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 Lancashire.
Origin & History of the Bellows Family in England
The surname Bellows is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname in medieval England. It likely referred to someone who worked as a bellows maker or perhaps someone known for having a loud, booming voice similar to the tool used to stoke a fire. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Lancashire. During this period, the region was a center for trade and agriculture, and families like the Bellows were often involved in local crafts or small-scale farming. As the family grew, members began to move from these rural roots into the developing towns of northern England. This migration helped the name spread across the region, eventually leading some members to seek new opportunities in the American colonies during the mid-1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
belg
Old French term for a bag or skin used for air.
This name
BellowsAn occupational surname for a maker or user of bellows for a forge.
also spelled
Bellowis
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Lancashire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
