Map of England showing where the Depree arms are recorded
The Depree 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 Depree 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 Depree Family in England
The surname Depree is a variation of the French name Du Pré, which translates literally to "of the meadow." This name was typically used as a topographic descriptor to identify individuals who lived near a specific field or pasture. By the early 17th century, families carrying this name had migrated across the English Channel and established roots in England. Records confirm that members of the family were living in York by 1620, a time when the city served as a major northern hub for trade and religious activity. These early settlers likely integrated into the local economy as merchants or skilled tradespeople, gradually anglicizing the spelling of their name to match the phonetic patterns of the English language. This transition reflects a broader pattern of European migration where families adapted their traditional identities to fit into their new communities while still honoring their ancestral origins.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
du Pré
Old French term meaning of the meadow.
This name
DepreeA topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or pasture.
also spelled
Dupr
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
