A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Flint family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 1604 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert three flintstones ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Flint Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Flint arms are recorded
The Flint 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 Flint 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 Flint Family in England
The name Flint originated in England as a descriptive surname, likely identifying an ancestor who lived near a prominent rocky outcrop or worked as a flint knapper. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Flint family were active in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this era, families often took their names from the natural landscape or the specific tools of their trade, which suggests that the early Flints were deeply connected to the local geography of Northern England. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of York, contributing to the local community long before the name spread further across the British Isles and eventually overseas.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per chev. gu. and az. in chief two demi lions ramp. couped, in base a key paleways or”
Walesc. 1647
Where the Flint Arms Were Recorded
Denbigh
Map of Wales showing where the Flint arms are recorded
The Flint arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Flint arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Flint Family in Wales
The history of the Flint family in Wales is deeply tied to the rugged landscape of Denbighshire. By the mid-seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the town of Denbigh. During this era, the surname likely functioned as a topographical identifier, linking the family to the hard, flint-like stone found in the local hills or perhaps to the nearby town of Flint. Life in Denbigh during the 1640s was defined by the turmoil of the English Civil War, which saw the town’s historic castle serve as a significant military stronghold. As residents of this strategic location, the early Flint family members lived through a period of intense political change and regional conflict. Their presence in the area during this time suggests they were part of a growing community of local landowners or tradespeople who helped shape the social fabric of North Wales as the region transitioned into the modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert a chev. betw. three flintstones ar”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Flint Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Flint arms are recorded
The Flint arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Flint arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Flint Family in Scotland
The name Flint is a topographic surname, which means it was originally given to people who lived near a prominent outcrop of flint or a rocky area. While the name has roots in various parts of Britain, its presence in Scotland became well-documented by the mid-eighteenth century. By 1748, records confirm that members of the Flint family were established in Edinburgh, a city that served as a major hub for trade and legal activity during the Scottish Enlightenment. At this time, the family likely participated in the growing urban economy of the capital, potentially working in skilled trades or the expanding professional sectors of the city. As Edinburgh grew in importance, families like the Flints became part of the social fabric of the Lowlands, contributing to the development of the city as a center for commerce and culture.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
flint
A hard gray rock consisting of nearly pure silica.
This name
FlintA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent outcrop of flint or a stony area.
also spelled
Flynt
Flynte
Related arms
Flyntvariant 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, Yorkshire Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
keyGuardianship, and the office of a steward
