A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boteler family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7764 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à la fasce échiq. d'arg. et de sa. de trois tires, acc. de six croix pattées au pied fiché d'arg.”
HertfordshireHertfordshire, c. 1620
Where the Boteler Arms Were Recorded
Hertfordshire
Map of Britain showing where the Boteler arms are recorded
The Boteler arms were recorded in Hertfordshire, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Boteler 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 Hertfordshire.
Origin & History of the Boteler Family in Britain
The family name Boteler has deep roots in the history of Britain, originating as a title for a high-ranking servant known as a butler who managed a noble household’s wine cellar. Over time, this professional title transitioned into a hereditary surname as families became established in specific regions. By the early 17th century, the Boteler family had secured a notable presence in Hertfordshire, where they integrated into the local landed gentry. This period was marked by their involvement in regional administration and the management of rural estates, which helped solidify their social standing within the English countryside. Their transition from a functional household role to a recognized family name reflects the broader patterns of social mobility and surname development that occurred across Britain during the medieval and early modern eras.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a chev. ar. betw. three standing cups or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Boteler Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Boteler arms are recorded
The Boteler arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Boteler 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 Boteler Family in England
The surname Boteler is an occupational name that traces its roots back to the medieval period in England. It is derived from the Old French word "butillier," which translates to a butler or a person in charge of the wine cellar. In the feudal system, this was a position of significant trust and responsibility within a noble household. By the time members of the family were documented in London during the early 17th century, the name had evolved from a specific job title into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early London residents were part of a growing urban middle class that helped shape the city’s commerce and social structure during the reign of King James I. As the family established themselves in the capital, they moved away from the original duties of the wine steward and into various trades and professions that defined life in a bustling, expanding city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
buticularius
A Latin term for a cup-bearer or bottle-bearer.
This name
BotelerAn occupational surname for a servant in charge of the wine cellar or buttery.
also spelled
Boteller
Butler
Botler
Botiller
Butiller
Related arms
Armand de Châteauvieuxsimilar arms
Botellervariant spelling
Butlervariant spelling
Betelervariant 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, 1991
Cussans, John Edwin, History of Hertfordshire, 1870
The National Archives, Kew, Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
