Map of England showing where the Bonnell arms are recorded
The Bonnell arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with a coat of 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 Bonnell 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Bonnell Family in England
The surname Bonnell has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the county of Berkshire by the year 1620. The name is generally believed to be of French origin, likely arriving in England with immigrants who crossed the channel during periods of religious or economic upheaval. Over time, the spelling evolved to fit the phonetic patterns of the English language as the family integrated into local communities. By the early seventeenth century, the Bonnells were already part of the fabric of English rural life, participating in the local administrative and social structures of their home counties. Their presence in Berkshire suggests they were part of a wave of families who helped shape the development of the region during the transition into the Stuart era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. betw. seven cross crosslets az. on a chief bendy wavy of six ar. and sa. a wyvern tail extended vert”
IrelandRevenue, c. 1691
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Map of Ireland showing where the Bonnell arms are recorded
The Bonnell arms were recorded in Revenue, c. 1691.
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.
Mary II of England
Sovereign of the period
Mary II of England
1689–1694
Reigning in England when the Bonnell 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 Bonnell Family in Ireland
The Bonnell family name established a notable presence in Ireland by the late seventeenth century, specifically appearing in Dublin records around 1691. While the name likely originated from continental European roots, the family integrated into the administrative and social fabric of Dublin during a period of significant political transition. By the late 1600s, members of the Bonnell family were involved in the professional and civic life of the city, often serving in roles related to government and trade. Their arrival in Ireland coincided with the aftermath of the Williamite War, a time when many families with international connections moved to Dublin to participate in the city's growing commercial opportunities. Over the following decades, the Bonnells became part of the established urban class, leaving behind a trail of legal and property records that document their steady influence in the capital.
Bonnell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bonus
Latin term meaning good or virtuous.
This name
BonnellA diminutive form indicating a good or pleasant person, often used as a nickname.
also spelled
Bonnal
Related arms
Borrellrecorded with Bonnell, same area
Comynrecorded with Bonnell, same area
Gumleyrecorded with Bonnell, same area
Howard-Vyserecorded with Bonnell, same area
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
