A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Duell family of England.
Reg. 5306 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. two palets gu. on each four bezants in pale”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Duell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Duell arms are recorded
The Duell 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 Duell 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 Duell Family in England
The surname Duell has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm family members were living as early as 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with families residing in the northern counties of England. Linguists believe the name likely evolved from an old occupational term or a descriptive nickname, though its exact meaning has shifted over the centuries due to changes in regional dialects. By the seventeenth century, families bearing the name were well-established within the local community, participating in the trade and social life of York. As these individuals moved through the city, they helped shape the local identity of the region during a time of significant social change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
duellum
Latin term meaning war, conflict, or a duel.
This name
DuellA topographic name for someone living near a place of combat or a nickname for a warrior.
also spelled
Duell
Duelle
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 and Wilson, Richard Middlewood, A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
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.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
