A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dash family of England.
Reg. 1988 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per fesse or and ar. a fesse az. in chief a lion pass. gu”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Dash Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Dash arms are recorded
The Dash arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Dash 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 Dash Family in England
The surname Dash is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name or a nickname. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in London. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Dash family were living and working within the city during this period of rapid urban growth. Historical linguists suggest that the name may have been derived from old terms related to movement or speed, potentially identifying an ancestor who was known for being particularly quick or energetic. As the family settled into the bustling environment of London, they became part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that defined the capital city. Their early history reflects the broader patterns of migration and social development that shaped English family names during the transition into the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
d'Ache
Old French topographical term meaning from the oak tree or grove.
This name
DashAn English habitational surname denoting someone who lived near a prominent oak tree.
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
