A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dowty family of England.
Reg. 9641 · 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 Dowty Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Dowty arms are recorded
The Dowty 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 Dowty 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 Dowty Family in England
The surname Dowty is a variant of the name Doughty, which originated in England as a descriptive nickname. During the Middle Ages, people often received surnames based on their personal traits, and this name was used to describe someone who was brave, valiant, or hardy. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Surrey. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Dowty family were living and working in this region during the reign of King James I. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the agricultural and community life of southern England. Over time, the spelling shifted from the original descriptive term into the specific family name that exists today.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dudda
An Old English personal name of uncertain etymological origin.
This name
DowtyA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive form of the name Dudda.
also spelled
Douty
Dowty
Doughtie
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 Registers of Surrey, 1620
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mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
