Map of England showing where the Chaney arms are recorded
The Chaney arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Chaney 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 Chaney Family in England
The surname Chaney is rooted in the Old French word *chesnai*, which describes a place where oak trees grow. This name was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent oak forest or grove. By the early 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in London, as evidenced by records from 1620. During this period, London was a bustling center of trade and social movement, and families with this name were part of the growing urban population. As the name spread across England, it evolved from a descriptive term for a location into a permanent family identifier passed down through generations. This transition reflects the broader history of how surnames became necessary as communities grew and people needed more specific ways to distinguish themselves from their neighbors.
Chaney Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Chesne
Old French word for an oak tree.
This name
ChaneyA topographic name for someone who lived near an oak tree or an oak forest.
also spelled
Chawnie
Chawnee
Chawny
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
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers, P69/MIC/A/001/MS06986
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
