A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goodchild family of England.
Reg. 2360 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ar. on a chev. sa. betw. three parrots vert beaked and legged gu. as many annulets or”
DurhamPallion · Durham, c. 1620
Where the Goodchild Arms Were Recorded
Durham
Map of England showing where the Goodchild arms are recorded
The Goodchild arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Goodchild 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Goodchild Family in England
The surname Goodchild originated in medieval England as a descriptive nickname, likely used to identify a person with a pleasant or virtuous disposition. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the County of Durham. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Goodchild family were living in this northern region, where they were often involved in local trade and community life. During this era, families in Durham frequently relied on the local parish system to document births, marriages, and deaths, which helped solidify the name within the local population. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the social and economic landscape of the area, maintaining their roots in the North East of England for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godchild
A spiritual child or a godparent's ward.
This name
GoodchildAn affectionate nickname for a person who was a godchild or a favorite child.
also spelled
Goodchyld
Goodchyllde
Related arms
Fenwickrecorded with Goodchild, same area
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Durham County Record Office, Durham Bishop's Transcripts, 1620
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
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
