Map of England showing where the Creed arms are recorded
The Creed arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Creed 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 Creed Family in England
The surname Creed is an ancient name that originated in England long before the seventeenth century. It is primarily classified as a locational name, which means it likely referred to a person who lived near a specific landmark or a place known as a creed. In some historical contexts, the word was also used as a nickname for a person who was known for their strong religious convictions or their constant recitation of the Apostles' Creed. By the time the year 1620 arrived, members of the Creed family were well-established residents of London. These early Londoners were part of a growing urban population during the reign of King James I, and they contributed to the city’s vibrant trade and social life as it expanded into a global center of commerce.
Creed Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Credo
Latin for I believe or I trust.
This name
CreedA locative surname derived from the village of St. Creed in Cornwall.
also spelled
Crede
Related arms
Hobbesrecorded with Creed, same area
Hoperecorded with Creed, same area
Popleyrecorded with Creed, same area
Rolferecorded with Creed, 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
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, SP 14
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, P69/MIC/A/001/MS04515
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
lionCourage, strength and royalty
