A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Godbee family of England.
Reg. 9665 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
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Colours
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)
“Sa. a chev. ar. betw. three men's heads ppr”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Godbee Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Godbee arms are recorded
The Godbee 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 Godbee 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 Godbee Family in England
The surname Godbee is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name, likely derived from the Middle English phrase "God be," which served as a common expression of piety or a well-wishing greeting. 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 Godbee family were living in this northern hub during a time of significant social and religious transition in England. As residents of a major center for trade and administration, these early family members were part of a growing urban middle class. Over time, the name evolved in spelling as it spread from the northern counties into other regions of the country, reflecting the phonetic changes common in early modern English naming practices.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
God-be
Old English elements meaning good or god and to be or dwell.
This name
GodbeeA locative or descriptive surname likely referring to a person who is good or godly.
also spelled
Godbey
Godbie
Godbee
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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