A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clever family of England.
Reg. 4740 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a covered cup sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Clever Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Clever arms are recorded
The Clever 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 Clever 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 Clever Family in England
The surname Clever is rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England, where it likely functioned as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their sharp wit or physical agility. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Clever family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this period, families in the area were often deeply integrated into the local economy as skilled tradespeople or merchants. Because the name implies a clever or quick-minded nature, it is probable that early ancestors were recognized within their community for their intelligence or their ability to solve complex problems. These early residents helped shape the local identity of York during a time of significant social and political change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clif
An Old English term referring to a steep slope or riverbank.
This name
CleverA topographical name for someone who lived near a cliff or steep hill.
Related arms
Cleavervariant spelling
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, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
