A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Donne family of England.
Reg. 1697 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a wolf saliant ar. a chief of the last”
Englandc. 1605
Where the Donne Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Donne arms are recorded
The Donne arms were recorded in England, c. 1605.
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 Donne 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 Donne Family in England
The surname Donne has deep roots in the English language, originating as a descriptive nickname for someone with a dark complexion or hair. Derived from the Old English word *dun*, the name was used to distinguish individuals before the widespread adoption of formal surnames. By the early 17th century, members of the Donne family were well-established in the city of York. This region was a significant center for trade and religious life, and families like the Donnes often held positions within the local community or merchant guilds. Their presence in York by 1605 reflects a history of stability and integration into the social fabric of northern England during a period of great political and cultural change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dun
Old English term referring to a dark or swarthy complexion.
This name
DonneA descriptive nickname for a person with dark hair or a dark skin tone.
also spelled
Don
Dunn
Dunne
Related arms
Donvariant spelling
Dunnvariant spelling
Dunnevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York Registers
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chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wolfReward from long service and hard work
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
wolfReward from long service and hard work
