A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cayley family of England.
Reg. 7119 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Chequy or and gu. a bend (or a fesse) erm. (another, or)”
NorfolkNorfolk, c. 1620
Where the Cayley Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Cayley arms are recorded
The Cayley arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Cayley 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Cayley Family in England
The surname Cayley is believed to have originated as a locational name, likely derived from a place in Normandy called Cailli. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, families bearing this name began to establish themselves across various parts of England. By the early 17th century, the family had developed a strong presence in the county of Norfolk. Records confirm that members of the Cayley family were well-settled in this region by 1620, where they became active participants in local governance and land management. Over time, the family expanded their influence through marriage and professional pursuits, transitioning from their early roots as landowners into a prominent part of the English gentry. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who migrated from the continent to shape the social and political landscape of rural England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cailly
A locative name derived from a place in Normandy, France.
This name
CayleyAn English habitational surname referring to individuals originating from the village of Cailly.
also spelled
Caylie
Cayly
Related arms
Caylyvariant spelling
Adamsrecorded with Cayley, same area
Goochrecorded with Cayley, same area
Herrickrecorded with Cayley, same area
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
Norfolk Record Office, Norfolk Archdeaconry Marriage Licences, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
