A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Crisp family of England.
Reg. 7603 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Or, on a chev. sa. five horseshoes ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Crisp Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Crisp arms are recorded
The Crisp 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 Crisp 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 Crisp Family in England
The surname Crisp is rooted in the Old English word *crisp*, which was used as a descriptive nickname for someone with curly or wavy hair. During the Middle Ages, people often received surnames based on their physical appearance or personal traits, and this name likely identified an ancestor who stood out due to their hair texture. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Crisp family were living there by 1620, placing them in a bustling urban center known for its trade and religious significance. As the family settled into this environment, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the growth and daily life of the region during a period of great transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Crispus
A Latin term meaning curly-haired or having curled hair.
This name
CrispAn occupational or descriptive surname originally used to identify someone with curly or frizzy hair.
also spelled
Crysp
Cryspe
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 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
horseshoeGood fortune and protection from harm
