Map of England showing where the Drinkwater arms are recorded
The Drinkwater arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Drinkwater 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Drinkwater Family in England
The surname Drinkwater is a classic example of a medieval occupational or descriptive name that emerged in England long before the seventeenth century. It likely originated as a nickname for a person who was known for their sobriety or perhaps for someone who lived in a location where water was the primary source of refreshment. By the time the family established a notable presence in Lancaster around 1620, the name had already been recorded in various English regions for several hundred years. These early ancestors were part of the growing population of the North West, where they integrated into the local community as tradespeople and landowners. The name reflects a time when surnames were often chosen based on personal traits or daily habits, allowing the Drinkwater family to leave a distinct mark on the historical record of Lancashire and beyond.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. a cross invected betw. four griffins' heads erased or”
DublinDublin, c. 1653
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Map of Ireland showing where the Drinkwater arms are recorded
The Drinkwater arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1653.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Drinkwater Family in Ireland
The Drinkwater family name has a distinct history in Ireland that traces back to the mid-seventeenth century. Records show that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1653, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval following the Cromwellian conquest. While the name is of English origin, likely serving as a descriptive nickname for a person who abstained from stronger beverages, those who settled in Ireland quickly integrated into the urban life of the capital. These early settlers were often involved in the trade and administrative networks that defined Dublin during the Restoration era. Over time, the family name became a part of the diverse cultural fabric of the city, representing the movement of people across the Irish Sea during a time of intense colonial expansion and settlement.
Drinkwater Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
drencan waeter
Old English for to swallow or imbibe liquid.
This name
DrinkwaterA nickname for a person who was a teetotaler or someone who had very little to drink.
also spelled
Drinkewater
Related arms
Boothrecorded with Drinkwater, same area
Byromrecorded with Drinkwater, same area
Clarkerecorded with Drinkwater, same area
Davenportrecorded with Drinkwater, same area
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
Lancashire Archives, Lancaster Parish Registers: Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
