A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Colle family of England.
Reg. 1737 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bullValour and generosity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per pale indented gu. and ar. a bull passant counterchanged within a bordure sa. bezantée”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Colle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Colle arms are recorded
The Colle 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 Colle 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 Colle Family in England
The family name Colle has roots that stretch back to medieval Europe, where it likely originated as a shortened form of the name Nicholas. By the early seventeenth century, the name was firmly established in the historic city of York, England. Records confirm that members of the Colle 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 with this name were often integrated into the local urban community, working as merchants or skilled tradespeople. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the local economy and the steady development of the city during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nicholas
Victory of the people derived from Greek elements.
This name
ColleA medieval diminutive form of the name Nicholas used as a patronymic surname.
also spelled
Colley
Coles
Coless
Colless
Colls
Related arms
Colesvariant spelling
Colessvariant spelling
Collsvariant 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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bullValour and generosity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bullValour and generosity
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
