A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ginger family of England.
Reg. 1947 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Gu. on a pale ar. three pheons az”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ginger Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ginger arms are recorded
The Ginger 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 Ginger 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 Ginger Family in England
The surname Ginger is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname in medieval England, likely referring to a person with reddish hair or a lively, spirited personality. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Ginger family were living in this region during a time of significant social and political change. As residents of York, these early ancestors would have navigated the bustling trade networks and local governance of one of England’s most important northern hubs. Over time, the family name became firmly rooted in the local community, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined English family history during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gingivre
Old French term for the spice ginger derived from Latin zingiber.
This name
GingerA nickname for a person with reddish hair or a fiery temperament.
also spelled
Gingre
Gingir
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. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
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.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
