A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cowie family of England.
Reg. 2291 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. on a fesse gu. three boars' heads erased or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Cowie Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Cowie arms are recorded
The Cowie 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 Cowie 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 Cowie Family in England
The surname Cowie is believed to have Scottish roots, originating from the lands of Cowie in Kincardineshire. The name likely comes from the Gaelic word "colla," which refers to a hazel grove or a wooded area. While the family name is strongly associated with Scotland, historical records confirm that members of the Cowie family were established in York, England, as early as 1620. During this period, families often moved across the border for trade, religious reasons, or to seek new opportunities in growing urban centers. By settling in York, these early ancestors became part of the city's long history of commerce and craftsmanship. Over time, the family name spread further as descendants moved to different regions, carrying their heritage with them through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Col
A diminutive form of the name Nicholas meaning victory of the people.
This name
CowieDerived from a place name in Aberdeenshire meaning a narrow neck of land or a pass.
also spelled
Cowey
Cowee
Cowy
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Bardsley, Charles Wareing. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. 1901
York City Archives, Parish Register of St. Michael le Belfrey, York, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
