A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ester family of England.
Reg. 5444 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 bars wavy az. on a chief gu. three bezants”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ester Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ester arms are recorded
The Ester 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 Ester 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 Ester Family in England
The surname Ester has deep roots in the city of York, where records confirm family members were established as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling hub of trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Esters often lived in the dense neighborhoods surrounding the Minster. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots related to the Old English word for east, suggesting that the family may have originally lived in the eastern part of a village or town. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, participating in the daily life and economic growth of northern England. By settling in a major city like York, the early Esters were well-positioned to engage in the various trades that defined the region, helping to shape the history of their community for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Esther
Derived from the Persian word for star.
This name
EsterAn English habitational or occupational surname often linked to the biblical name meaning star.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records (1620)
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
Reaney, P. H. and Wilson, R. M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
