Map of England showing where the Chandra arms are recorded
The Chandra 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 Chandra 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 Chandra Family in England
The name Chandra carries a rich history that bridges ancient linguistic roots with the practical realities of seventeenth-century England. While the name is widely recognized today for its Sanskrit origins, meaning moon or shining, its presence in York by 1620 suggests a unique path for the family during the early modern period. At that time, York was a bustling center of trade and religious transition, and individuals bearing this name were likely part of the growing merchant and artisan classes who navigated the social shifts of the Stuart era. Because the name appears in English records during this specific timeframe, it indicates that the family had integrated into the local community, likely participating in the daily life of the city through commerce or local governance. This early presence in Northern England highlights how names of diverse origins became woven into the fabric of English society as families moved, settled, and established their own legacies in new environments.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Candra
Sanskrit word meaning moon or shining.
This name
ChandraDerived from the Sanskrit term for the moon, often signifying brightness or brilliance.
also spelled
Candrey
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
