A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Currey family of England.
Reg. 2412 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a saltire ar. on a chief sa. a rose of the second, barbed and seeded vert”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Currey Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Currey arms are recorded
The Currey 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 Currey 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 Currey Family in England
The family name Currey is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for a person with a specific physical trait or a particular style of dress. In Middle English, the word currey or currie was often associated with someone who had a ruddy or reddish complexion. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Currey family were living in this region by 1620, likely working as tradespeople or merchants within the bustling city walls. During this period, York was a major center for commerce and religion, which provided a stable environment for families to settle and grow. Over the following generations, the name became firmly rooted in the local community as these early ancestors contributed to the development of the city through their daily labor and civic participation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Curro
Latin verb meaning to run or move quickly.
This name
CurreyAn occupational name for a messenger or a nickname for a swift runner.
also spelled
Currie
Curry
Related arms
Currievariant spelling
Curryvariant spelling
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.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
