Map of England showing where the Dye arms are recorded
The Dye arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Dye 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 York.
Origin & History of the Dye Family in England
The surname Dye is primarily of English origin and is considered a patronymic name, meaning it was originally derived from a shortened version of the personal name Dionysius. During the Middle Ages, people often used nicknames to identify themselves, and Dye became a common way to refer to the son or descendant of someone named Denis. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Dye family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England. These early settlers were likely involved in the local crafts or merchant guilds that defined the city’s economy during the Stuart period. Over time, the name spread from these northern roots to other parts of the country and eventually across the Atlantic as families sought new opportunities in the American colonies.
Dye Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dionysius
Derived from the Greek god of wine and fertility.
This name
DyeA medieval diminutive form of the name Dennis, originating from the Greek god Dionysius.
also spelled
Dyea
Dey
Dyei
Related arms
Barrettsame arms
Dyneleysame arms
Leghsame arms
Deyvariant spelling
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, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
