A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coney family of England.
Reg. 3359 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. on a fesse cotised or, betw. three conies ar. as many escallops of the field”
LincolnMarton · Lincoln, c. 1620
Where the Coney Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Coney arms are recorded
The Coney arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Coney 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Coney Family in England
The surname Coney is primarily rooted in England and is associated with the Old French word *conil*, which refers to a rabbit. In the medieval period, this name was often used as a nickname for someone who was quick, timid, or perhaps a skilled hunter of small game. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Lincoln. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Coney family were active participants in the local community during this era. As residents of a major cathedral city, these early ancestors likely engaged in trade or civic life, contributing to the historical development of the region before some family members eventually sought new opportunities across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cuniculus
A Latin term referring to a rabbit or a burrowing animal.
This name
ConeyA topographic or occupational name for someone who lived near a rabbit warren or hunted rabbits.
also spelled
Cony
Conie
Related arms
Conyvariant spelling
Atcherleyrecorded with Coney, same area
Bellasisrecorded with Coney, same area
Creykerecorded with Coney, 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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Mayor's Court Books, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
rabbitOne who lives peaceably and well
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
