A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goodfellow family of England.
Reg. 4969 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. on a fesse double cotised or, three leopards' faces of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Goodfellow Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Goodfellow arms are recorded
The Goodfellow 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 Goodfellow 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 Goodfellow Family in England
The surname Goodfellow originated in England as a descriptive nickname during the Middle Ages. It was likely given to someone who possessed a friendly, generous, or sociable personality. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Goodfellow family were living there by 1620, a time when the city was a major center for trade and religious life in Northern England. These early ancestors were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the local community through their work and daily interactions. Over time, the name spread from these regional roots to become a recognized part of English family history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gōd + feolaga
Old English for good and partner or associate.
This name
GoodfellowA descriptive nickname for a pleasant, friendly, or companionable person.
also spelled
Goodfallow
Goodfelawe
Goodfello
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
