A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Denham family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6804 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three lions' gambs erased erm”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Denham Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Denham arms are recorded
The Denham 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 Denham 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 Denham Family in England
The surname Denham is a locational name that originated in England, typically referring to people who lived near a valley or a woodland clearing. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in various parts of the country, including the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Denham family were living in York by 1620, where they participated in the local social and economic life of the region. During this period, families often moved between growing urban centers and rural estates to seek new opportunities in trade or agriculture. As the name spread across different English counties, it became a fixed identifier for families who traced their roots back to these specific geographical features. The presence of the Denham name in York during this time highlights how families were becoming deeply rooted in the fabric of English society before the era of mass migration.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fusilTravail and industry
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. three fusils conjoined in fess erm. in chief a castle with two towers ar”
DublinDublin, c. 1596
Where the Denham Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Denham arms are recorded
The Denham arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1596.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Denham 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Denham Family in Ireland
The Denham family name in Ireland is deeply connected to the administrative and social shifts that occurred during the late sixteenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1596, a period when the city served as the primary hub for English influence and governance in the region. During this era, individuals bearing the name often held positions within the legal or civil service sectors, reflecting the broader movement of families who relocated to Ireland to participate in the growing bureaucracy of the Tudor administration. As these early settlers integrated into Dublin society, the name became associated with the professional class that helped manage the city’s expanding trade and political affairs. Over time, the family transitioned from being newcomers in a foreign capital to becoming a recognized part of the local urban landscape, leaving a lasting footprint in the historical documentation of Ireland’s capital city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dene and Ham
Valley and homestead or enclosure
This name
DenhamA person who lived at a homestead located within a valley.
also spelled
Denholm
Denholme
Related arms
Dennamvariant spelling
Dinhamvariant spelling
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for the County of York
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fusilTravail and industry
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
