A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coghill family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0692 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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, erm. a chev. betw. three cocks gu., for COGHILL; 2nd and 3rd, or, on a chief indented az. three fleurs-de-lis of the field a canton erm., for CRAMER”
YorkCoghill · York, c. 1620
Where the Coghill Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Coghill arms are recorded
The Coghill arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Coghill 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 York.
Origin & History of the Coghill Family in England
The Coghill family name is rooted in the northern regions of England, with a significant presence established in the city of York by the early seventeenth century. The name is considered a locative surname, which means it likely originated from a specific place name that described the geography of a family estate. During the seventeenth century, members of the Coghill family were active participants in the civic and social life of York, often appearing in local administrative records as merchants and landowners. This period was a time of great transition in England, and families like the Coghills were part of the growing urban middle class that helped shape the economy of northern cities. By 1620, the family was well-integrated into the local community, reflecting a history of stability and regional influence that defined their early years in the area.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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, erm. a chev. betw. three cocks gu.; 2nd and 3rd, gu. on a chev. ar. three pellets, a chief indented of the second”
YorkMaster · York, c. 1686
Where the Coghill Arms Were Recorded
Map of Ireland showing where the Coghill arms are recorded
The Coghill arms were recorded in York, c. 1686.
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 Ireland in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in England when the Coghill 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 York.
Origin & History of the Coghill Family in Ireland
The Coghill family name has deep roots that stretch from northern England across the Irish Sea to County Dublin. While the family was well established in York by 1686, their transition into Irish history began shortly thereafter through military service and administrative roles under the British Crown. Marmaduke Coghill, a prominent figure in this lineage, moved to Ireland and eventually became a significant landowner and a member of the Irish Parliament. The family settled primarily in the area of Drumcondra, where they built a notable estate that served as a hub for local political and social life. Over the generations, the Coghills integrated into the Irish professional class, serving as judges and public officials. Their movement from the bustling city of York to the landscape of Ireland reflects a broader pattern of families who helped shape the administrative and social structures of the country during the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cock-hill
A hill frequented by wild birds or a boundary marker hill.
This name
CoghillA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a hill associated with birds.
also spelled
Coghull
Coghall
Related arms
Coghullvariant spelling
Aungierrecorded with Coghill, same area
Dayrecorded with Coghill, same area
Fawetherrecorded with Coghill, same area
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
Davies, Robert, Extracts from the Municipal Records of the City of York, 1843
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
