A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burnell family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 0923 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au lion de sa., cour. d'or; à la bord. d'azur.”
ShropshireShropshire, c. 1700
Where the Burnell Arms Were Recorded
Shropshire
Map of Britain showing where the Burnell arms are recorded
The Burnell arms were recorded in Shropshire, c. 1700.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Burnell 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 Shropshire.
Origin & History of the Burnell Family in Britain
The surname Burnell has deep roots in the English landscape, with its origins tied to the Old French word "burnel," which was a nickname for someone with brown hair or a dark complexion. By the time the name became established in Britain, families bearing it were already well-integrated into the social fabric of the West Midlands. Records show that the Burnell family held significant influence in Shropshire as early as the 13th century, long before the documented presence of the family in the region during the 1700s. They were often associated with the village of Acton Burnell, where they served as prominent landowners and local officials. Over several centuries, the family expanded their reach across the county, moving from their ancestral roots in rural estates to become a recognized part of the local gentry. Their long history in Shropshire reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the administrative and agricultural development of the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. three wedges meeting at the points in the base ar. in chief three crescents of the last”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Burnell Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Burnell arms are recorded
The Burnell arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Burnell 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 Burnell Family in Ireland
The Burnell family established a significant presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century, particularly within the social and political landscape of Dublin. By 1645, members of the family were deeply integrated into the city’s administrative and legal circles, often serving in roles that required high levels of education and local influence. The name itself is of Norman origin, arriving in the British Isles centuries before moving across the Irish Sea. Once in Ireland, the Burnells became part of the group often described as the Old English, a community that maintained deep ties to both their ancestral roots and their new Irish home. Their history in Dublin reflects the broader experiences of families who navigated the complex shifts in power and land ownership during the turbulent 1600s. Through their involvement in city governance and trade, the Burnells helped shape the urban development of Dublin during a time of great national transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a lion ramp. sa. over all a bend gu. charged with three escallops or, (another, of the field)”
EssexEssex, c. 1620
Where the Burnell Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Burnell arms are recorded
The Burnell arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Burnell 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Burnell Family in England
The Burnell family name has deep roots in England that stretch back long before the seventeenth century. The name is derived from the Old French word brun, which means brown, and it was originally used as a descriptive nickname for a person with brown hair or a dark complexion. By the time the family was firmly established in Essex in 1620, the name had already been present in English records for several hundred years. Early members of the family were often associated with land ownership and local administration, which helped them integrate into the social fabric of various English counties. As the family moved and grew, they became part of the local history of regions like Essex, where they contributed to the agricultural and civic life of their communities. This long presence in England shows how a simple descriptive nickname eventually evolved into a lasting family identity passed down through many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brun
An Old French and Germanic term meaning brown or dark-colored.
This name
BurnellA diminutive form referring to a person with a dark or brown complexion.
also spelled
Burnel
Bournell
Burnelle
Burnill
Burnille
Related arms
Birnellvariant spelling
Bournellvariant spelling
Hillrecorded with Burnell, same area
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
Eyton, Robert W., Antiquities of Shropshire, 1854
The National Archives, Curia Regis Rolls
Shropshire Archives, Acton Burnell Estate Records
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lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
