Map of England showing where the Coles arms are recorded
The Coles arms were recorded in Dorsetshire, c. 1620.
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 Coles 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 Dorsetshire.
Origin & History of the Coles Family in England
The surname Coles is rooted in the Old English language and typically functions as a patronymic, meaning it was originally used to identify a person as the son of someone named Cole. The name Cole itself likely stems from the Old English word "col," which refers to coal or a dark complexion. By the time the family was firmly established in the county of Dorsetshire in 1620, the name had already been present in England for several centuries. During the medieval period, families with this name were often found in the southern and western regions of the country, where they worked as farmers or tradespeople. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric in Dorsetshire, contributing to the agricultural and community life of the region during the early seventeenth century. This period was a time of significant migration and change, and the presence of the Coles family in Dorsetshire reflects the deep historical ties that many English families held to their specific local landscapes.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. on a chev. betw. two”
Irelandc. 1647
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Map of Ireland showing where the Coles arms are recorded
The Coles arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1647.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Coles 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 Coles Family in Ireland
The history of the Coles family in Ireland is deeply connected to the political and social shifts of the seventeenth century. By 1647, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a central hub for administration and trade during a period of intense upheaval. The name itself is thought to be an occupational or descriptive surname, likely derived from an ancestor who worked with coal or possessed a dark complexion. As these early settlers integrated into the Dublin community, they navigated a landscape defined by the aftermath of the Irish Confederate Wars. Their presence in the capital suggests they were part of a growing class of merchants or officials who helped shape the urban development of the city during the mid-1600s. Over time, the family name became firmly rooted in the region, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined the history of English-speaking families in Ireland.
Coles Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cola
An Old English or Old German personal name meaning charcoal or coal.
This name
ColesA patronymic surname derived from the personal name Cola, signifying son of Cole.
also spelled
Colls
Colle
Collee
Related arms
Collevariant spelling
Collee, Colley, or Coolingvariant spelling
Collsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, A Dictionary of Surnames, 1988
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
Dorset History Centre, Dorset Parish Registers, 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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
