Map of England showing where the Bennefeld arms are recorded
The Bennefeld 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 Bennefeld 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 Bennefeld Family in England
The surname Bennefeld traces its roots to the Germanic linguistic tradition, likely originating as a topographic name for people who lived near a specific field or clearing. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York, England. During this era, York served as a major center for trade and religious activity, which attracted families seeking new opportunities or stability. The presence of the Bennefeld name in such a prominent northern city suggests that these early ancestors were likely integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. As they settled into the community, the family name became a permanent part of the regional history, reflecting the movement and adaptation of families during the early seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bene-feld
Derived from the Old English words for bean and open land.
This name
BennefeldRefers to a person who lived near or cultivated a field of beans.
also spelled
Bonefield
Bonfield
Bonfeld
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
