Map of England showing where the Bonner arms are recorded
The Bonner arms were recorded in Oxfordshire, c. 1574.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Bonner 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 Oxfordshire.
Origin & History of the Bonner Family in England
The surname Bonner has deep roots in England, with historical records confirming that families bearing this name were well-established in Oxfordshire by the year 1574. The name is generally considered to be a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle English word "bonere," which meant courteous, gentle, or kind. During the medieval period, it was common for people to be identified by their personality traits or social manners, and this name likely served as a compliment to an ancestor known for their polite behavior. As the family grew, they spread across various English counties, often working as farmers or tradespeople in rural communities. By the late 16th century, the Bonners were documented in local parish registers, which were the primary way the government tracked births, marriages, and deaths at the time. These early records show that the family was integrated into the fabric of village life, contributing to the local economy and community growth for generations.
Bonner Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
bonaire
Old French term meaning good, pleasant, or courteous in nature.
This name
BonnerA descriptive nickname for a person with a kind, gentle, or good-natured disposition.
also spelled
Bonar
Bonnor
Related arms
Kiddell, alias Bennersimilar arms
Ridellsimilar arms
Bonarvariant spelling
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
Oxfordshire History Centre, Diocese of Oxford Parish Records, 1574
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
