Map of England showing where the Berwind arms are recorded
The Berwind 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 Berwind 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 Berwind Family in England
The surname Berwind is rooted in the Germanic linguistic tradition, likely originating from a combination of the ancient elements "ber," meaning bear, and "win," meaning friend or protector. By the early 17th century, members of the family were established in the city of York, England. During this period, York was a significant regional hub where families often settled due to the city's role in trade and local administration. The presence of the Berwind name in York by 1620 suggests that the family had integrated into the professional or merchant classes of Northern England during the reign of King James I. As the family grew, they contributed to the local community through their work and civic participation in a city that was then transitioning through a time of great religious and political change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Berowald
Derived from the Germanic elements for bear and rule or power.
This name
BerwindA locative or habitational name likely signifying a bear-like ruler or protector.
also spelled
Brynd
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York Register
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Palliser, D.M., Tudor York, 1979
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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
