A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dorry family of England.
Reg. 8023 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
duckResourcefulness on land and water
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Gu. on a chev. betw. three chub fish naiant ar. three shovellers sa. on a chief dancettée of the second three escallops of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dorry Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dorry arms are recorded
The Dorry 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 Dorry 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 Dorry Family in England
The family name Dorry has roots that trace back to the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, and families like the Dorrys were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, possibly serving as a descriptive nickname or a variation of a local place name common to Northern England. As the family established themselves in the region, they became part of the social fabric of the city, living through the significant political and social shifts that defined seventeenth-century England. Their presence in York suggests that the family was well-settled in the area long before the industrial changes that would eventually reshape the city in later centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Theodoric
Derived from Germanic elements meaning ruler of the people.
This name
DorryA diminutive form of Dorothy or Theodore, often signifying a gift of God or people's ruler.
also spelled
Dorry
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
York City Archives. York City House Books. 1602–1625
York Minster Library and Archives. Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey. 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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
duckResourcefulness on land and water
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
duckResourcefulness on land and water
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
