A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cooker family of England.
Reg. 8231 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a bend gu. three lions' heads or”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Where the Cooker Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Cooker arms are recorded
The Cooker arms were recorded in Devonshire, 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 Cooker 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Cooker Family in England
The surname Cooker is an occupational name that likely emerged in medieval England to describe someone who worked as a cook or a seller of prepared food. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the county of Devonshire. During this period, Devonshire was a hub of maritime activity and agricultural growth, providing many opportunities for families to settle and build local businesses. The name suggests that early ancestors were likely skilled tradespeople who held a respected place in their village communities. As the family grew, they became deeply rooted in the landscape of the West Country, contributing to the local economy and social life of the region for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
coc
Old English term for a cook or someone who prepares food.
This name
CookerAn occupational surname for a person employed as a professional cook or kitchen worker.
also spelled
Cookar
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
The National Archives, Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Lay Subsidy Rolls, 1620
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
