Map of England showing where the Chenoweth arms are recorded
The Chenoweth 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 Chenoweth 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 Chenoweth Family in England
The family name Chenoweth originates from the Cornish language, specifically from the words "hen" meaning old and "weth" meaning tree or wood. This indicates that the earliest ancestors likely lived near a prominent or ancient tree that served as a local landmark. While the name is deeply rooted in the landscape of Cornwall, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, the family members in York were likely involved in the bustling trade and civic life of the city, which was a major hub for northern England. The migration from the rural southwest to the urban center of York suggests that the family was adaptable and sought new opportunities in the growing industries of the seventeenth century. This transition highlights how a family name tied to the natural beauty of Cornwall became part of the historical fabric of one of England’s most significant northern cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
hen-oweth
Cornish words for old and new or a new house
This name
ChenowethDerived from a Cornish place name meaning the new house or old house.
also spelled
Chynowth
Chynowith
Chynowithe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Padel, O.J., A Popular Dictionary of Cornish Place-Names, 1988
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 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
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
