A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Eleanor family of England.
Reg. 2806 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. on a cross sa. betw. four Cornish choughs ppr. five bezants”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Eleanor Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Eleanor arms are recorded
The Eleanor arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Eleanor 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 Eleanor Family in England
The name Eleanor has deep historical roots, originating from the Old Occitan name Aliénor, which gained immense popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. It became a prominent royal name, most famously held by Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose influence helped spread the name across the continent. By the time members of your family were documented in London in 1620, the name had evolved through various spellings and was well-established among the English population. During this period, London was a bustling center of trade and social change, and families living there were often part of the growing merchant or artisan classes. The presence of your ancestors in the city during the early 17th century suggests they were part of the vibrant urban life that defined the era, living through a time of significant cultural shifts and the early stages of global exploration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aliénor
Old Occitan origin meaning other or foreign.
This name
EleanorA name of uncertain etymology, often associated with the Greek word for light or mercy.
also spelled
Eleanor
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Withycombe, E. G., The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, 1945
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers, 1538–1812
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
