A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Copeman family of England.
Reg. 2789 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. two bars engr. az. on a bend gu. a tower betw. two estoiles of the first”
NorfolkHemsby Hall · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Copeman Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Copeman arms are recorded
The Copeman arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind 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 Copeman 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Copeman Family in England
The family name Copeman is deeply rooted in the history of Norfolk, England, where members of the family were firmly established by the early seventeenth century. The name is generally considered to be an occupational surname, likely derived from the Middle English word "copeman," which meant a merchant or a trader. During the medieval period, such names were often given to individuals who traveled between markets to buy and sell goods. By the time the family appeared in Norfolk records in 1620, they were likely part of the growing class of independent tradespeople and farmers who helped shape the local economy of East Anglia. Because Norfolk was a major center for the wool trade and international shipping during this era, it is probable that the family name reflected a long tradition of commerce that had been passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cope
A merchant or a person who deals in capes and cloaks.
This name
CopemanA surname denoting a person who sold or made capes or hooded cloaks.
also spelled
Copman
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
Norfolk Record Office, Archdeaconry of Norfolk Wills, 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
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
