Map of England showing where the Byrnand arms are recorded
The Byrnand 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 Byrnand 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 Byrnand Family in England
The surname Byrnand is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Northern England, with its origins likely linked to the Old English or Old Norse naming traditions common in the region. By the year 1620, the family was well-established within the city of York, a major center for trade and administration during the seventeenth century. During this period, families like the Byrnands often played active roles in the local community as merchants, craftsmen, or minor landholders. Living in York placed the family at the heart of significant social and economic shifts, as the city served as a vital hub for the northern counties. While the specific origins of the name remain somewhat obscure, its presence in early seventeenth-century records suggests that the Byrnands were part of the steady growth of urban families who helped shape the identity of historic Yorkshire.
Byrnand Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bernhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bear and hardy or brave.
This name
ByrnandA patronymic surname signifying descendant of the brave bear warrior.
also spelled
Byrnard
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for the County of York
Hey, David, The Oxford Guide to Family History, 2002
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
