Map of England showing where the Dech arms are recorded
The Dech 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 Dech 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 Dech Family in England
The history of the Dech family name in England is closely tied to the city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling hub of trade and religious activity, and families like the Dechs were often involved in the local merchant guilds or skilled craft trades that defined the city’s economy. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, potentially serving as a descriptive label for individuals who lived near specific landmarks or held certain roles within their community. As the family established their roots in Northern England, they became part of the social fabric of York, navigating the significant political and religious shifts that characterized the seventeenth century. By remaining in such a prominent urban center, the early Dech family members were positioned to participate in the growth of the region, leaving behind a legacy that is still connected to the historical records of the city today.
Dech Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dece
Old French term for ten or a decimal-based tax collector.
This name
DechAn occupational surname for a tithe collector or someone associated with the number ten.
also spelled
Deachie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
City of York Archives, York Freemen’s Register
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
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