Map of England showing where the Cowap arms are recorded
The Cowap arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Cowap 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 Cowap Family in England
The surname Cowap is primarily rooted in the northern regions of England, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the city of York by the year 1620. The name is generally considered a topographic or occupational surname, likely originating from the Middle English words for a cow and a small enclosure or pen. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were likely farmers or herdsmen who lived near a specific cattle yard or pasture. Over the centuries, the name evolved through various spellings as it moved through local parish registers and legal documents. By the early seventeenth century, the family had become part of the urban fabric of York, where they participated in the social and economic life of one of England’s most historic cathedral cities.
Cowap Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cope
Derived from the Old English word for a long cloak or cape.
This name
CowapA topographical or occupational name for someone who made or wore a distinctive cloak.
also spelled
Cope
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
