A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coggan family of England.
Reg. 9272 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
leafHappiness and abundance
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. three laurel leaves ar. in chief an estoile or; 2nd and 3rd, paly of six or and az. on a chief of the last a griffin pass. ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Coggan Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Coggan arms are recorded
The Coggan 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 Coggan 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 Coggan Family in England
The surname Coggan is rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England, likely originating as a topographic or occupational descriptor. While the exact etymology remains a subject of scholarly debate, many researchers suggest it evolved from Old English or Old Norse roots related to specific landscape features or local trade roles. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a clear presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Coggan family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub during a period of significant transition in English history. These early residents were likely integrated into the merchant or artisan classes, contributing to the vibrant urban culture that defined York at the time. Their presence in such a prominent administrative center suggests that the family was well-established within the local community long before the mass migrations of the colonial era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cogg
An Old English or Old Norse term referring to a small boat.
This name
CogganA topographical or occupational name for someone who lived near or worked on a small boat.
also spelled
Coggin
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, UK, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
leafHappiness and abundance
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
leafHappiness and abundance
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
