Map of England showing where the Cook arms are recorded
The Cook arms were recorded in London, c. 1568.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Cook 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 Cook Family in England
The surname Cook is an occupational name that emerged in England during the Middle Ages to identify individuals who worked as professional cooks. In a time when few people could read or write, surnames were often assigned based on a person’s trade, and those who prepared meals for noble households or ran public cookshops were naturally labeled with this title. By the time members of the family were recorded in London in 1568, the name had become a permanent hereditary fixture across the country. These early London residents likely lived in a bustling urban environment where the demand for prepared food was high, allowing the family to establish roots in the capital. As the name spread from rural villages to major trade centers, it became one of the most common identifiers in the English language, reflecting the vital role that food preparation played in daily life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
wolfReward from long service and hard work
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. on a fess betw. three wolves' heads erased ar. collared gu. studded or, a fleur-de-lis betw. two crescents of the third”
Irelandc. 1713
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Map of Ireland showing where the Cook arms are recorded
The Cook arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1713.
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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in England when the Cook 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 Cook Family in Ireland
The surname Cook is an occupational name that identifies an ancestor who worked as a professional chef or a keeper of a cookshop. While the name has deep roots in England, it became well-established in Ireland through centuries of migration and trade. By the year 1713, records confirm that members of the Cook family were living and working in Dublin. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of commerce and administration, and families with this name often integrated into the city’s growing merchant and professional classes. As these early settlers established their lives in the capital, they contributed to the urban development of the city. Over time, the name spread from these initial hubs in Dublin to other parts of the country, blending into the diverse social fabric of Irish history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 bend or, two cinquefoils az. on a sinister canton a cross crosslet issuing out of a crescent, of the second”
ScotlandPittenweem, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Cook arms are recorded
The Cook arms were recorded in Pittenweem, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Cook arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Cook Family in Scotland
The surname Cook is an occupational name that originated from the Old English word "coc," which referred to a person who prepared food for a living. While the name is common across the British Isles, its presence in Scotland became well-established by the mid-eighteenth century. Official records confirm that members of the Cook family were living and working in Edinburgh by 1748. During this period, Edinburgh was a major center for commerce and trade, and individuals with this name often held roles as skilled laborers or merchants within the city walls. As the family settled into urban life, they contributed to the growing professional class of the Scottish Enlightenment. Over time, the name became deeply integrated into the social fabric of the capital, reflecting the broader migration of families who sought new opportunities in Scotland’s developing administrative and economic hubs.
Cook Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
coc
Old English term for a cook or seller of cooked food.
This name
CookAn occupational surname for someone who worked as a professional cook.
also spelled
Kook
Cooke
Coke
Kooke
Related arms
Cokevariant spelling
Fossardrecorded with Cook, same area
Frobyfarrecorded with Cook, same area
Jacksonrecorded with Cook, same area
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
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1568, DL/C/213
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chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
wolfReward from long service and hard work
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
