Map of England showing where the Culver arms are recorded
The Culver 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 Culver 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 Culver Family in England
The name Culver is deeply rooted in the English landscape, with its origins tied to the Old English word "culfre," which translates to dove or pigeon. Historically, this name likely served as a descriptive nickname for a person who possessed a gentle or peaceful nature, or perhaps it identified someone who kept these birds. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Culver family were established in the historic city of York. During this era, the family lived in a region defined by its ancient Roman foundations and its significance as a northern hub for trade and administration. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the daily life and labor of this bustling cathedral city long before many of their descendants eventually crossed the Atlantic to seek new opportunities in the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Columba
Latin word meaning dove or pigeon.
This name
CulverAn occupational surname for a keeper of doves or a dweller near a dovecote.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
