A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Godman family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5663 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 pale erm. and ermines, on a chief indented or, a lion pass. vert”
SurreySurrey, c. 1579
Where the Godman Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Godman arms are recorded
The Godman arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1579.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Godman 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Godman Family in England
The surname Godman is a classic example of an English occupational or descriptive name that emerged from the Old English language. It likely originated as a nickname for a person known for their pious nature or as a descriptive term for a servant of a religious household. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Surrey. Records from 1579 confirm that members of the Godman family were living in this region, where they became integrated into the local social and economic fabric. During this era, families often held land or engaged in trades that tied them to specific parishes, allowing their name to appear consistently in local tax assessments and land deeds. This stability helped the family name persist through generations as they moved from being local residents to becoming established members of the English gentry.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 cross or, four greyhounds' heads erased sa. in dexter chief a covered cup of the second”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Godman Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Godman arms are recorded
The Godman arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Godman arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Godman Family in Ireland
The history of the Godman family in Ireland is firmly rooted in the mid-seventeenth century, with records confirming their presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political transition, and families like the Godmans were often part of the growing merchant and professional classes that helped shape the city’s urban landscape. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive term for a person of pious character, reflecting the religious and social values common in medieval naming traditions. As these individuals settled into the Irish capital, they became integrated into the local administrative and economic life of the city. Their early documented presence suggests that the family was well-established during a time of significant upheaval in Ireland, allowing them to leave a lasting mark on the historical records of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godman
Derived from the Old English elements god meaning good and mann meaning person.
This name
GodmanA name historically used to describe a good person or a servant of God.
also spelled
Godmon
Godmen
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Surrey Quarter Sessions Records, QS 2/1
Surrey History Centre, Parish Registers of Surrey, P1/1/1
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
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
ermineDignity and rank
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
