A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Davis family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6373 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, a cross botonnée in saltire betw. four eagles displ. sa”
KentKent, c. 1620
Where the Davis Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Davis arms are recorded
The Davis arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Davis 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Davis Family in England
The surname Davis is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of David. The name David itself comes from the Hebrew language and means beloved. In England, the name became very popular after the Norman Conquest, as it was associated with the patron saint of Wales. By the time members of the family were documented in Kent in 1620, the name had already spread across many social classes, ranging from laborers to landowners. Because record-keeping was inconsistent in the early seventeenth century, the spelling often changed based on how a local clerk heard the name pronounced. This led to variations like Davies or Davys, though the Davis spelling eventually became the most common version in many regions. Families carrying this name were often deeply rooted in their local parishes, where they participated in the agricultural and trade cycles that defined life in rural England during the early modern period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a fess erm. betw. three cinquefoils pierced ar”
Irelandc. 1606
Where the Davis Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Davis arms are recorded
The Davis arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1606.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Davis 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 Davis Family in Ireland
The surname Davis has deep roots in Ireland that trace back to the early seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with Welsh origins, it became firmly established in Dublin by 1606 as English settlers and administrators moved into the city during a period of significant political change. These early families were often involved in the legal, mercantile, and administrative life of the capital, helping to shape the urban landscape of Dublin as it transitioned into a modern administrative center. Over the following decades, the name spread from the city into the surrounding counties as these families acquired land and integrated into the local economy. By settling in Ireland, these individuals helped create a distinct branch of the family history that blended their ancestral background with the evolving social structure of early modern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Daw
A medieval pet form of the Hebrew name David meaning beloved.
This name
DavisA patronymic surname meaning son of David.
also spelled
Davys
Davies
Davie
Davy
Davye
Related arms
Daveysvariant spelling
Davievariant spelling
Daviesvariant spelling
Davyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384–1858
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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cinquefoilHope and joy
