Map of England showing where the Cannell arms are recorded
The Cannell 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 Cannell 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 Cannell Family in England
The surname Cannell has deep roots in the British Isles, with historical evidence placing members of the family in the city of York by the year 1620. The name is widely considered to be a variation of the Old Norse name Ketill, which translates to a cauldron or a sacrificial vessel. During the period of Viking influence in Northern England, many names of Norse origin became integrated into the local language and eventually evolved into hereditary surnames. As families settled in areas like Yorkshire, the spelling of the name shifted over generations to reflect local dialects and phonetic changes. By the early 17th century, the Cannell name was firmly established among the residents of York, where families likely worked in the trades and crafts that defined the city’s economy during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Canna
A Gaelic personal name derived from the word for a whelp.
This name
CannellA patronymic surname meaning descendant of the whelp or young dog.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
