A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Empringham family of England.
Reg. 2081 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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. a bordure vert charged with eight martlets or”
DerbyGrimsby Magna · Derby, c. 1620
Where the Empringham Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Empringham arms are recorded
The Empringham arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic 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 Empringham 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Empringham Family in England
The surname Empringham is a locative name, which means it likely originated from a specific place name in England. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Derby by the year 1620. During this period, the family was deeply rooted in the local community, often appearing in parish registers that tracked baptisms, marriages, and burials. The name itself suggests a connection to an ancient settlement, as the suffix "ham" is an Old English term for a village or homestead. By settling in the Midlands, the early Empringhams were part of a regional population that relied heavily on agriculture and trade. Over the following centuries, the family name spread from these early hubs as individuals moved to find new work and opportunities in growing industrial towns.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ampre
Old English personal name meaning home or homestead
This name
EmpringhamRefers to the settlement or homestead belonging to the followers of Ampre
also spelled
Empringhamme
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Derbyshire Record Office, Diocese of Derby Parish Registers
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bordureA difference between branches of one family
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
