Map of England showing where the Dias arms are recorded
The Dias 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 Dias 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 Dias Family in England
The surname Dias is a patronymic name of Portuguese and Spanish origin, which traditionally means son of Diogo or son of James. While the name is deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, its presence in England by 1620 suggests a history of migration and trade. During this era, many families moved across Europe to escape religious persecution or to seek new opportunities in growing merchant hubs like York. Members of the Dias family who settled in England often integrated into the local mercantile classes, contributing to the city’s economic life as they adapted to a new culture. This early arrival in York highlights the family’s role in the broader movement of people across borders during the seventeenth century.
Dias Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dies
Latin term meaning days or daylight.
This name
DiasA locational or patronymic surname derived from the Latin word for days, often associated with someone born on a specific day or a religious feast.
also spelled
Dyas
Dyass
Related arms
Dyasvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hanks, Patrick, Dictionary of American Family Names, 2003
Smith, David M., The York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1396-1500, 1989
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, House Books of the City 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.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
