A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Craik family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8035 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per fesse ar. and sa. a pale counterchanged, and three crosses of the second”
YorkColston-Pytte · York, c. 1620
Where the Craik Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Craik arms are recorded
The Craik arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Craik 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 York.
Origin & History of the Craik Family in England
The surname Craik is rooted in the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a descriptive name linked to the landscape and local wildlife. Etymologists believe the name is derived from the Middle English word "crake," which was a common term for a crow or a raven. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Craik family were active participants in the civic and social life of this major northern hub. During this period, York served as a vital center for trade and administration, and families like the Craiks often integrated into the local merchant classes or skilled trades. Their presence in such a prominent city suggests that the family had successfully transitioned from rural origins to becoming settled urban residents during the reign of King James I.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Per fess ar. and vert, in chief three roses gu. in base a ship's sails furled or”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Craik Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Craik arms are recorded
The Craik arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Craik arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Craik Family in Scotland
The surname Craik has deep roots in the Scottish Lowlands, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname for a person with a loud voice or a sharp manner, as the word "craik" refers to the harsh cry of a bird like a corncrake. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, a city that served as the intellectual and administrative heart of the country. Records from 1748 show members of the family participating in the professional and social life of the capital during a time of significant urban growth. As the Scottish Enlightenment began to flourish, individuals carrying the name were active in the city's expanding legal and commercial sectors. This period marked a transition for the family from local origins to becoming part of the established urban middle class in one of Europe’s most influential cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Creag
A Gaelic term referring to a rocky outcrop or crag.
This name
CraikA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent rocky cliff or crag.
also spelled
Crake
Crayk
Related arms
Crakevariant spelling
Legardrecorded with Craik, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Registers of York St. Martin-cum-Gregory, 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
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
