A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gauntlet family of England.
Reg. 4340 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, chequy gu. and ar.; 2nd and 3rd, sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gauntlet Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gauntlet arms are recorded
The Gauntlet 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 Gauntlet 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 Gauntlet Family in England
The surname Gauntlet is a locational or descriptive name that likely originated in medieval England as a nickname for someone who wore a protective glove or perhaps a skilled worker who made them. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 show members of the family living and working within this northern hub, which was a major center for trade and religion at the time. Because York was a walled city with a bustling merchant class, families like the Gauntlets were often involved in the local crafts or the vibrant market economy that defined the region. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the local community, reflecting the steady growth and movement of families across Northern England during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gantelet
Old French word for a small glove or protective hand covering.
This name
GauntletAn occupational name for a maker of gloves or a nickname for a wearer of armored gloves.
also spelled
Gauntlyt
Related arms
Gantletvariant 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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
