Map of England showing where the Devil arms are recorded
The Devil 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 Devil 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 Devil Family in England
The surname Devil is a rare and intriguing name that first appears in historical records within the city of York during the early seventeenth century. During this period, the name was likely a nickname or a descriptive term used to distinguish a specific individual from their neighbors in the crowded streets of the walled city. In 1620, the family was already established as part of the local community, living in a time when surnames were often still evolving based on personal traits or local reputation. While the name carries a striking meaning, it was common in medieval and early modern England for people to be given names based on their temperament or their roles in local plays and festivals. By the time the family was recorded in York, they were integrated into the social and economic life of the region, contributing to the unique tapestry of names found in Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Deauville
A place name derived from the Old French for settlement or village.
This name
DevilAn occupational or nickname surname likely referring to a person from the town of Deauville.
also spelled
Devile
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bordureA difference between branches of one family
