A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dorian family of England.
Reg. 8220 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a bendlet in chief and another in base az. surmounted by a saltire gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dorian Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dorian arms are recorded
The Dorian 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 Dorian 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 Dorian Family in England
The surname Dorian carries a rich history that likely traces its roots to the ancient Greek region of Doris, eventually evolving into a name used across various parts of Europe. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that individuals bearing this name were living and working within the city walls during a time of significant social and political change. These early settlers in York were likely part of the growing merchant or artisan classes who helped shape the local economy and community life of the era. Over time, the family name became firmly embedded in the regional history of northern England, reflecting the movement and integration of people across the British Isles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Doris
A Greek geographic term referring to the region of Doris.
This name
DorianDerived from the ancient Greek tribe known as the Dorians.
also spelled
Doryen
Doryan
Dorian
Doryin
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
