Map of England showing where the Cowle arms are recorded
The Cowle 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 Cowle 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 Cowle Family in England
The family name Cowle has deep roots in Northern England, with historical records placing members of the family in the city of York as early as 1620. The name likely originated as a topographic or locational surname, often used to describe people who lived near a specific landmark or a rounded hill, which was historically referred to as a "cowl" or "cole" in various regional dialects. During the early seventeenth century, families in York were often involved in the city’s thriving trade guilds and mercantile life, which allowed the name to become established within the local community. As the family grew, they moved through the social structures of the time, transitioning from rural origins to the urban environment of York. This pattern of migration was common for families seeking better economic opportunities in the bustling markets of northern cities during the Stuart period.
Cowle Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Col
A medieval pet form of the name Nicholas meaning victory of people.
This name
CowleA topographic name for someone who lived near a hill or a ridge.
also spelled
Cowill
Cowle
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
