A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Darlington family of England.
Reg. 9638 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. guttée d'eau on a fesse betw. three leopards' heads erased or, as many crosses crosslet gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Darlington Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Darlington arms are recorded
The Darlington 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 Darlington 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 Darlington Family in England
The surname Darlington is a locative name, which means it was originally derived from the place where the first family members lived. The name refers to the town of Darlington in County Durham, England. In the early seventeenth century, the family began to establish roots in other parts of Northern England, including the historic city of York. By 1620, records show that members of the Darlington family were active residents of York. During this period, the family likely worked as merchants or skilled tradespeople, as these roles were common for families living within the city walls. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric of the region, helping to shape the history of Northern England through their daily lives and contributions to their community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Deorlingatun
Old English settlement belonging to the people of Deorling.
This name
DarlingtonDerived from a place name in County Durham meaning the farmstead of Deorling's people.
also spelled
Derlington
Darlyngton
Related arms
Darclingtonvariant spelling
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
lionCourage, strength and royalty
