Map of England showing where the Bodenhamer arms are recorded
The Bodenhamer arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1620.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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 Bodenhamer 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Bodenhamer Family in England
The family name Bodenhamer is deeply connected to the geography of the English county of Herefordshire. The name itself is a variation of Bodenham, which is a small village located along the River Lugg. In the Middle Ages, people often took the name of their home village as a way to identify themselves to others in the region. By the year 1620, records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established residents of Hereford. During this period, the area was a busy center for trade and agriculture, and the family likely played a role in the local community life. Over time, the spelling shifted from the place name to the surname we recognize today as families moved and settled in different parts of the country. This transition reflects the common way that English surnames developed from local landmarks and village names during the transition into the early modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, a lion ramp. gu. a bordure gobony ar. and az”
Irelandc. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Bodenhamer arms are recorded
The Bodenhamer arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Bodenhamer 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Bodenhamer Family in Ireland
The Bodenhamer family name holds a distinct place in the history of seventeenth-century Dublin, appearing in official records as early as 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant political and social upheaval, which often forced families to relocate or adapt to new administrative systems. The presence of the family in Dublin suggests they were likely part of the urban merchant or professional class that helped manage the city during these turbulent years. While the name itself has roots that stretch across the Irish Sea, its establishment in Dublin highlights the movement of people seeking new opportunities in the capital. By integrating into the local economy and social life of the city, the early Bodenhamers became part of the diverse tapestry of Dublin residents who navigated the complex legal and land ownership changes of the mid-1600s.
Bodenhamer Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bodenham
A homestead or village belonging to a man named Boda.
This name
BodenhamerRefers to a person who originated from the village of Bodenham in Herefordshire.
also spelled
Bodnam
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Duncumb, John. Collections towards the history and antiquities of the county of Hereford. 1804
Herefordshire Archives and Records Centre. Parish Registers of Hereford, 1600–1650
Reaney, Percy Hide. 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
