A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dan family of England.
Reg. 2986 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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, a chev. chequy gu. and ar. betw. three trefoils slipped vert”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dan Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dan arms are recorded
The Dan 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 Dan 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 Dan Family in England
The surname Dan has deep roots in England, with historical records confirming that family members were established in the city of York by the year 1620. The name likely originated as a shortened form of the name Daniel, which was a popular choice in medieval times due to its biblical significance. During the seventeenth century, families in northern England often lived in close-knit communities where names were passed down through generations to maintain a sense of local identity. As the Dan family settled in York, they became part of the city’s vibrant history during a period of significant social and economic change. By tracing these early residents, we gain a clearer picture of how common surnames evolved from personal names into permanent family identifiers that persisted through the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Daniel
Hebrew for God is my judge.
This name
DanA patronymic surname derived from the given name meaning God is my judge.
also spelled
Danne
Danneh
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
