Map of England showing where the Bolles arms are recorded
The Bolles 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 Bolles 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 Bolles Family in England
The surname Bolles is believed to have originated in England as a topographical name, likely describing someone who lived near a specific landmark or a rounded hill. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bolles family were active participants in the social and civic life of this northern hub. During this period, families often took their identity from the specific regions where they held land or conducted business. As the family grew, their influence spread through local trade and community leadership, helping to cement the name within the historical landscape of Yorkshire. This early connection to York suggests that the family was well-integrated into the local economy and urban development of the era.
Bolles Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bole
An Old English term referring to the trunk or stem of a tree.
This name
BollesA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent tree or tree trunk.
also spelled
Bollis
Bolles
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
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records, 1620
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
