A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bonham family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7525 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sa. au chev. nénulé d'arg., acc. de trois croix pattées au pied fiché du même; au canton du sec., ch. d'un écureuil de gu. C.: une sirène, soutenue d'un roc, tenant de sa main dextre un morceau de corail et de sa sen. un miroir ovale; le tout au nat. D.: ESSE QUAM VIDERI.”
OxfordshireOxfordshire, c. 1852
Where the Bonham Arms Were Recorded
Oxfordshire
Map of Britain showing where the Bonham arms are recorded
The Bonham arms were recorded in Oxfordshire, c. 1852.
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 Britain in this period.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Britain when the Bonham arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Oxfordshire.
Origin & History of the Bonham Family in Britain
The surname Bonham is rooted in the medieval history of England, where it emerged as a locational or descriptive name. Etymologists often trace the name to the Old French term bon homme, which translates to good man. This suggests that the name may have originally been a nickname for a person known for their kind or virtuous character. By the thirteenth century, records show families bearing this name established across various English counties, including Wiltshire and Essex. While the family had a documented presence in Oxfordshire by 1852, their roots in the region likely stretch back much further through generations of agricultural workers and local tradespeople. These early ancestors were part of the rural fabric of Britain, living through centuries of social and economic change before the family records became more formalized in the nineteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a chev. nebulée betw. three crosses pattée fitchée, at the foot ar. on a canton of the last a squirrel sejant gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bonham Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bonham arms are recorded
The Bonham 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 Britain when the Bonham 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 Bonham Family in England
The Bonham surname traces its roots to medieval England, where it likely emerged as a descriptive nickname or a locational identifier. The name is thought to be derived from the Old French phrase "bon homme," which translates to "good man." This suggests that the original bearers of the name were recognized by their neighbors for their character or social standing within their local communities. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that Bonham families were living and working in this historic northern hub during a time of significant social and religious change. These early settlers were part of the fabric of English life, participating in the trades and civic duties that defined the era before many families began to expand their reach across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bon homme
Old French for good man.
This name
BonhamA descriptive nickname for a person of good character or kind disposition.
also spelled
Bonhan
Bonam
Boneham
Bonneham
Bonyham
Related arms
Bonamvariant spelling
Boneham, or Bonhamvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Close Rolls, Henry III, 1227–1272
Oxfordshire History Centre, Parish Registers of Oxfordshire, 1852
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
