Map of England showing where the Daye arms are recorded
The Daye arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1597.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Daye 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Daye Family in England
The surname Daye has roots that stretch back to the medieval period in England, often serving as a descriptive name for someone who worked as a day laborer or a dairy worker. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records confirm that members of the Daye family were living in this region by 1597, where they were likely involved in the local agricultural economy that defined the area. During this era, families often settled in specific rural parishes for generations, which allowed the name to become firmly rooted in the local community. As the family grew, they participated in the typical life of the English countryside, contributing to the social and economic fabric of Norfolk long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dae
An Old English word meaning day or daylight.
This name
DayeA topographic name for someone who lived during the day or a nickname for a cheerful person.
also spelled
Day
Deye
Daye
Deyis
Deyse
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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for Norfolk, 1597
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
