A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gillem family of England.
Reg. 0735 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
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)
“Sa. on a chev. or, betw. three dolphins hauriant ppr. as many castles”
NorthumberlandMiddleton Hall · Northumberland, c. 1620
Where the Gillem Arms Were Recorded
Northumberland
Map of England showing where the Gillem arms are recorded
The Gillem arms were recorded in Northumberland, c. 1620.
Northumberland was border country facing Scotland, raided and fought over for three hundred years. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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 Gillem 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 Northumberland.
Origin & History of the Gillem Family in England
The family name Gillem has deep roots in the northern English county of Northumberland, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1620. During this period, the region was a rugged borderland defined by a unique social structure and a history of constant movement. Families like the Gillems often lived in close-knit communities that relied on farming and local trade to survive the harsh northern climate. Because Northumberland served as a buffer zone between England and Scotland, the people living there developed a strong sense of independence and resilience. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic traditions in the region, reflecting the mix of cultures that shaped the northern landscape. By the early 17th century, the Gillem family was already part of the fabric of this historic area, contributing to the local economy and the growth of the rural population.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Guillaume
Germanic name composed of elements meaning will, desire, and helmet or protection.
This name
GillemA patronymic form derived from the Old French version of William, signifying a resolute protector.
also spelled
Gillam
Gilliam
Gillem
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
