A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Butterfield family of England.
Reg. 3712 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, on a bend az. three bees volant ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Butterfield Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Butterfield arms are recorded
The Butterfield 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 Butterfield 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 Butterfield Family in England
The surname Butterfield is a locational name that originated in England, likely describing someone who lived near a field used for dairy farming. The name combines the Old English words for butter and field, suggesting that early ancestors were involved in the production of dairy goods or lived on land known for its rich grazing pastures. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Butterfield family were established in the city of York. During this period, the family was part of the growing population in Northern England, where they likely worked in trade or agriculture. As the family grew, they became part of the local community fabric, eventually spreading from their roots in York to other regions as people sought new opportunities for work and land ownership.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Butere and feld
Old English words for butter or rich pasture and open land.
This name
ButterfieldA topographical name for someone who lived near a fertile or productive pasture.
also spelled
Butterfelde
Butterfild
Butterfyld
Related arms
Bollandrecorded with Butterfield, same area
Crowderrecorded with Butterfield, same area
Dumasrecorded with Butterfield, same area
Eliotrecorded with Butterfield, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
beeIndustry, order and tireless work
