A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Doughty family of England.
Reg. 6593 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
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)
“Ar. two bars betw. three stars of six points pierced sa”
SurreySurrey, c. 1620
Where the Doughty Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Doughty arms are recorded
The Doughty arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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 Doughty 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Doughty Family in England
The surname Doughty originates from the Middle English word *dohtig*, which translates to valiant, noble, or courageous. During the medieval period, this name was likely used as a nickname to describe a person who displayed bravery or strength in their community. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Doughty family were well-established in the county of Surrey. At this time, the family was deeply integrated into the local social structure, often working as landowners or skilled tradespeople. As the family grew, they expanded across southern England, leaving behind traces in parish registers and local tax documents that highlight their role in the development of rural English society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dohtig
Old English word meaning valiant, capable, or virtuous.
This name
DoughtyA descriptive surname for a person who was considered brave, worthy, or capable.
also spelled
Douty
Dowty
Doughtie
Related arms
Cottingtonrecorded with Doughty, same area
Hodgesrecorded with Doughty, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Surrey History Centre, Parish Register Collection, 1620
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
