A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Daws family of England.
Reg. 6552 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
axeThe execution of military duty
duckResourcefulness on land and water
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a bend az. cotised gu. betw. six battles axes sa. as many shovelers or”
MiddlesexPutney · Middlesex, c. 1620
Where the Daws Arms Were Recorded
Middlesex
Map of England showing where the Daws arms are recorded
The Daws arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Daws 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Daws Family in England
The surname Daws originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. It is a shortened form of the name David, with the suffix added to signify "son of Daw." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Middlesex. During this period, Middlesex was a bustling region surrounding London, and families like the Daws were often involved in the trades and agricultural life that defined the area. As the family settled into this region around 1620, they became part of the social fabric of early modern England. Their history reflects the common practice of families adopting stable surnames to identify their lineage and property as they moved through the changing landscape of the British Isles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
David
A Hebrew name meaning beloved or friend.
This name
DawsA patronymic surname derived from a medieval diminutive of the name David.
also spelled
Dawes
Dause
Dawe
Related arms
Dawevariant spelling
Dawesvariant spelling
Adamsrecorded with Daws, same area
Bedon, or Bedorecorded with Daws, 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, 1997
The National Archives, Middlesex Sessions Records, 1612–1625
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
axeThe execution of military duty
duckResourcefulness on land and water
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
axeThe execution of military duty
duckResourcefulness on land and water
