A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dance family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1806 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. a fesse embattled, counter-embattled az. betw. three lions' heads erased gu. on a chief (of nonourable augmentation) or, two swords in saltire ppr. hilts and pomels gold, wreathed round with laurel vert, on a canton gu. a mural coronet or, pendent thereto by a light blue ribbon the Waterloo medal ppr. underneath the medal (on the canton) the word Waterloo, also gold”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dance Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dance arms are recorded
The Dance 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 Dance 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 Dance Family in England
The surname Dance emerged in England as a descriptive name, likely originating from a nickname for someone who possessed a lively spirit or perhaps a person who performed in local festivities. By the early seventeenth century, the name was firmly established in the historic city of York, where records confirm family members were living by 1620. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade and administration, suggesting that those bearing the name were integrated into the urban life of the region. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of northern England, moving through the changing landscapes of the Stuart era. The persistence of the name in parish registers and local legal documents from this time highlights how the family established deep roots in the city long before the industrial transformations of later centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goatOne who wins by diplomacy rather than force
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Erm. a fess nebuly betw. three goats' heads erased or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Dance Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Dance arms are recorded
The Dance arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Dance arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Dance Family in Ireland
The history of the Dance family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the urban landscape of seventeenth-century Dublin. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within the city, a time when Dublin was undergoing significant social and political transformation. The name likely functioned as a descriptive occupational or personal identifier, reflecting the linguistic shifts occurring as English and Irish naming traditions began to blend in urban centers. As the family integrated into the local economy, they became part of the growing merchant and professional classes that defined the capital city during the mid-1600s. Their presence in Dublin at this early date suggests that the family was well-positioned to participate in the civic and commercial life of a city that was rapidly becoming the primary administrative hub of the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dans
A medieval pet form of the name Daniel meaning God is judge.
This name
DanceA patronymic surname derived from the son of Dan or a nickname for a dancer.
also spelled
Daunce
Daunse
Related arms
Dannsey, or Dansiesame arms
Dawnseysimilar arms
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Registers of York, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
goatOne who wins by diplomacy rather than force
