A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bonney family of England.
Reg. 0721 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. five escallops in cross az”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bonney Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bonney arms are recorded
The Bonney 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 Bonney 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 Bonney Family in England
The surname Bonney is believed to have originated in medieval France as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Old French word "bon," meaning good. Over time, this name migrated across the English Channel and became established within various communities in England. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Bonney family were living in the city of York. During this period, York was a major northern hub where families often established themselves through trade or skilled craftsmanship. These early settlers were part of a growing class of citizens who helped define the social and economic character of the region. As the family expanded, they carried their name into different parts of the country, eventually becoming part of the wave of migration that reached the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bonus
Latin term meaning good or kind.
This name
BonneyA nickname for a good, pleasant, or cheerful person.
also spelled
Bonny
Bonie
Related arms
Bonnyvariant spelling
Correnrecorded with Bonney, same area
Evansrecorded with Bonney, same area
Holydayrecorded with Bonney, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
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escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
