A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Curteis family of England.
Reg. 9540 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Barry wavy of six ar. and sa. a chev. or, betw. three bezants, on a chief of the third two dolphins, in pale, endorsed, betw. as many anchors az”
EnglandLondon, c. 1557
Where the Curteis Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Curteis arms are recorded
The Curteis arms were recorded in London, c. 1557.
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.
Mary I
Sovereign of the period
Mary I
1553–1558
Reigning in England when the Curteis 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 Curteis Family in England
The surname Curteis traces its origins to the Middle English word "curteis," which was a term used to describe someone who was refined, polite, or well-mannered. During the medieval period, such names often began as nicknames given to individuals who displayed these specific social graces in their daily interactions. By the mid-sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in London, as evidenced by records from 1557. During this era, London was a bustling center of trade and social mobility, providing a fertile environment for families to grow their influence. As the name moved through generations, it evolved from a simple descriptive label into a stable family identity that persisted across centuries of English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
cortois
Old French word meaning courteous or refined in manners.
This name
CurteisA descriptive occupational or nickname for a person who was polite, well-mannered, or sophisticated.
also spelled
Curtis
Curteys
Related arms
Courteis, or Courtysvariant spelling
Courtisvariant spelling
Curtess, Curtiss, and Curteysvariant spelling
Curteysvariant spelling
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1557
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
