A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cage family of England.
Reg. 8409 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. a saltire or”
KentKent, c. 1620
Where the Cage Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Cage arms are recorded
The Cage arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Cage 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Cage Family in England
The family name Cage finds its roots in medieval England, emerging as a topographical or occupational surname. It likely originated from the Middle English word "cage," which referred to a small enclosure, a birdcage, or even a prison cell. Because of this, the name was often given to people who lived near a specific fenced area or to those who worked as jailers or makers of cages. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Kent. Records confirm that members of the Cage family were active in this region by 1620, where they integrated into the local social and economic life of the English countryside. Over time, the name spread from these early settlements as family members moved to pursue new opportunities, yet the Kentish connection remains a significant milestone in their documented history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
cavea
A Latin term referring to a hollow place, enclosure, or cage.
This name
CageAn occupational name for a jailer or a topographic name for someone living near a birdcage.
also spelled
Kage
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
