A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dalley family of England.
Reg. 2897 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. three crosses crosslet fitchée in pale sa. betw. two pellets, on a chief gu. a fleur-de-lis ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dalley Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dalley arms are recorded
The Dalley 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 Dalley 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 Dalley Family in England
The family name Dalley is believed to have originated as a locational surname, likely referring to individuals who lived near a valley or a dale. By the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the Dalley family were established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life in Northern England, and families living there often participated in the local craft guilds or the merchant community. The name likely evolved from the Old English word "dæl," which describes a low-lying area of land between hills. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and the development of the city during the reign of King James I. Their presence in York suggests they were settled members of the community who played a role in the daily life of one of England’s most significant northern cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dæl
Old English word for a valley or low-lying land.
This name
DalleyA topographic name for someone who resided in or near a valley.
also spelled
Dally
Daly
Related arms
Dallyvariant spelling
Dalyvariant 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
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
