A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Capp family of England.
Reg. 9841 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
Colours
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)
“Sa. three spurs or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Capp Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Capp arms are recorded
The Capp 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 Capp 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 Capp Family in England
The surname Capp has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm family members were well-established by the year 1620. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname, possibly referring to someone who made or wore a distinctive type of cap or head covering. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and commerce, and families like the Capps often played active roles in the local economy as skilled craftsmen or merchants. By settling in such a prominent northern hub, these early ancestors were part of a vibrant community that helped shape the social and professional landscape of the region. Over generations, the family name became firmly woven into the local history of Yorkshire, reflecting the traditions and daily life of the people living in England during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
cappa
A Latin term referring to a hooded cloak or cape.
This name
CappAn occupational name for a maker or seller of hooded cloaks or capes.
also spelled
Cape
Related arms
Capevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, Archbishop of York Diocesan Records
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Smith, A.H., The Place-Names of the East Riding of Yorkshire and York, 1937
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
