Map of England showing where the Golden arms are recorded
The Golden arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Golden 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Golden Family in England
The surname Golden has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical records placing members of the family in the city of Lincoln as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, the name likely functioned as a descriptive nickname, often given to someone with fair hair or a bright, cheerful personality. In the bustling environment of Lincoln, which served as a major center for trade and administration, families with this name were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. As the family established itself in this region, they contributed to the social and economic life of the city during a period of significant national change. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the local community, reflecting the steady growth and movement of families across the English countryside.
Golden Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gold
A precious yellow metallic element.
This name
GoldenA descriptive nickname for someone with golden hair or a fair complexion.
also spelled
Goldin
Golding
Related arms
Goldingvariant spelling
Hickmanrecorded with Golden, same area
Johnsonrecorded with Golden, same area
Kingerecorded with Golden, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Lincolnshire Archives, Bishop’s Transcripts of Lincoln St. Mary-le-Wigford Parish Registers, 1620
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
