Map of England showing where the Cooke arms are recorded
The Cooke arms were recorded in London, c. 1462.
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.
Edward IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward IV of England
1461–1470
Reigning in England when the Cooke 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 Cooke Family in England
The surname Cooke is an occupational name that originated in medieval England to describe a person who worked as a cook, either in a private household or a public establishment. Because food preparation was a vital trade in every town, the name appeared independently in many different regions as people began adopting hereditary surnames. By 1462, records confirm that families bearing the name were well-established in London, where they often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants within the city’s bustling economy. During this period, the name was frequently spelled in various ways, such as Coke or Cook, reflecting the inconsistent spelling habits of the Middle Ages. As these families grew, they became deeply integrated into the local community, contributing to the development of London’s professional guilds and civic life. The name serves as a direct link to the daily labor and social structures that defined English life centuries ago.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a bend componée az. and gu. an annulet of the second”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Cooke arms are recorded
The Cooke arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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 Cooke 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 Cooke Family in Ireland
The surname Cooke arrived in Ireland primarily through the waves of English migration that occurred during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Cooke family were already established in Dublin, where they integrated into the administrative and social life of the city. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who held positions in local government or trade, reflecting the broader movement of settlers who sought new opportunities in the capital. As these families settled into their new environment, they became part of the shifting demographic landscape of Ireland. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the region, transitioning from a marker of recent arrival to a permanent part of the local community.
Cooke Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cocus
A Latin term referring to a person who prepares food.
This name
CookeAn occupational surname for a professional cook or someone who worked in a kitchen.
also spelled
Kooke
Cokkes
Related arms
Chooke, or Cootsimilar arms
Cokkesvariant spelling
Blakerecorded with Cooke, same area
Cookrecorded with Cooke, 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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward IV, 1461–1468
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Letter Books, Series L
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
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
