Map of England showing where the Cherry arms are recorded
The Cherry arms were recorded in England, c. 1604.
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 Cherry 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 Cherry Family in England
The surname Cherry emerged in England as a descriptive name, likely originating from a nickname for someone with a ruddy complexion or perhaps a person who lived near a prominent cherry tree. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1604 confirm that members of the Cherry family were living in this region during a period of significant social and religious transition in England. As the name spread throughout the country, it became associated with families who were often involved in local trade and craftsmanship. Because York was a major hub for commerce and administration at the time, the early presence of the Cherry family there suggests they were well-integrated into the urban life of Northern England. Over the generations, the name evolved from a simple descriptor into a permanent family identifier that persisted through centuries of English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. on a fess engr. ar. betw. three annulets or, a fleur-de-lis of the first”
Irelandc. 1614
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Map of Ireland showing where the Cherry arms are recorded
The Cherry arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1614.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Cherry 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Cherry Family in Ireland
The surname Cherry has a long and documented presence in Ireland, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in Dublin as early as 1614. While the name is often associated with English origins, its integration into Irish society was solidified through the growth of trade and administration in the capital city during the seventeenth century. Families bearing this name were frequently involved in the urban development of Dublin, often appearing in legal documents and property records that track the expansion of the city. Over the decades, these early settlers became part of the local fabric, moving from their initial roles as newcomers to becoming integrated members of the Dublin community. By the mid-1600s, the name had become a recognizable fixture in the administrative and social life of the region, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined the era.
Cherry Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cherise
Old French word for the cherry fruit or cherry tree.
This name
CherryA topographic name for someone who lived near a cherry tree or orchard.
also spelled
Cherrie
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
York Minster Archives. Parish Registers of York. 1604
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
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
