A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chaloner family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5446 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
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. a chev. betw. three cherubims' heads or”
YorkGuisborough · York, c. 1613
Where the Chaloner Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Chaloner arms are recorded
The Chaloner arms were recorded in York, c. 1613.
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 Chaloner 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 York.
Origin & History of the Chaloner Family in England
The surname Chaloner is an occupational name that emerged in medieval England to describe a person who manufactured or sold chalons. These were thick, warm coverlets or blankets often used for bedding, and the term itself likely comes from the French city of Châlons-sur-Marne where such textiles were famously produced. By the time the family established a notable presence in York in 1613, they had already integrated into the social and professional fabric of northern England. During this era, the name was frequently associated with families of status who participated in local governance and trade. As the centuries progressed, the Chaloners became deeply rooted in the regional history of Yorkshire, moving from their origins as textile workers to becoming prominent figures in civic life. Their transition from a trade-based identity to a recognized family name reflects the broader shift in English society where surnames evolved from simple descriptions of work into permanent markers of family heritage.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a fess wavy az. betw. three lions' heads erased gu. as many mascles or”
DublinDublin, c. 1560
Where the Chaloner Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Chaloner arms are recorded
The Chaloner arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1560.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Chaloner arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Chaloner Family in Ireland
The Chaloner family established a significant presence in Ireland during the mid-sixteenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin by 1560. At this time, members of the family integrated themselves into the administrative and social circles of the English Pale, which was the area of Ireland under direct control of the English crown. John Chaloner, a prominent figure from this period, served as a secretary to the Irish Council and held the position of Clerk of the Council in Dublin. This role placed the family at the heart of political decision-making during a time of great transition in Irish history. By securing positions within the government, the Chaloners helped manage the complex relationship between the local Irish population and the expanding influence of the English administration. Their early years in Dublin were defined by this blend of public service and the pursuit of land, which allowed them to become a well-known name in the capital city for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
calon
Old French term for a maker or seller of chalices or cups.
This name
ChalonerAn occupational surname for a craftsman who manufactured metal vessels or drinking cups.
also spelled
Challener
Chalenor
Related arms
Drucerecorded with Chaloner, same area
Harterecorded with Chaloner, same area
Lyleyrecorded with Chaloner, same area
Paynerecorded with Chaloner, same area
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
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
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cherubDivine protection over the innocent
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
