A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dawe family of England.
Reg. 6371 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ravenConstancy and divine providence
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert upon a bend ar. three daws volant sa. Quartered by TREFFRY, of Fowey, for DAWE, of Plymouth”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dawe Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dawe arms are recorded
The Dawe 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 Dawe 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 Dawe Family in England
The surname Dawe is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son or descendant of someone named David. It became common in England during the Middle Ages as the name David was shortened to the nickname Daw. By the time members of the family were established in York in 1620, the name had been in use for several centuries across various parts of Britain. Families with this name were often involved in local trade and craftsmanship, which was common for citizens living in historic cathedral cities like York. As the family grew, they became part of the local community fabric, contributing to the social and economic life of the northern English region. The name reflects a long history of naming traditions that helped people distinguish their families in growing towns and cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
David
A Hebrew name meaning beloved or friend.
This name
DaweA medieval diminutive form of David, often used as a pet name for the biblical figure.
also spelled
Dau
Daws
Related arms
Dawsvariant spelling
Leir, or Learrecorded with Dawe, same area
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames with Special American Instances, 1901
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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ravenConstancy and divine providence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ravenConstancy and divine providence
