A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eames family of England.
Reg. 5206 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, a fesse sa. a demi lion ramp. issuant gu”
SomersetSomerset, c. 1620
Where the Eames Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Eames arms are recorded
The Eames arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1620.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 Eames 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Eames Family in England
The surname Eames is rooted in Old English, originating from the word "eam," which translates to "uncle." During the medieval period, this term was often used as a nickname for a person who possessed a kind or protective nature, much like a favorite relative. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Somerset in England. Records from this era suggest that members of the Eames family were active participants in the local community, living as yeoman farmers or tradespeople. Their connection to Somerset became a significant part of their history, especially as some family members eventually chose to leave their English homes to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic. This migration helped spread the name far beyond its original regional roots, turning a local English identifier into a name recognized in many parts of the world today.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eme
An Old English term for a maternal uncle or kinsman.
This name
EamesA patronymic surname denoting the son or descendant of an uncle.
also spelled
Eams
Emes
Related arms
Emesvariant 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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
