A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goodwyn family of England.
Reg. 7900 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Gu. a chev. erm. betw. three leopards' faces or”
SomersetWells · Somerset, c. 1620
Where the Goodwyn Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Goodwyn arms are recorded
The Goodwyn arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1620.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 Goodwyn 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Goodwyn Family in England
The surname Goodwyn originates from the Old English words "god" and "wine," which together translate to "good friend." This name was likely used as a descriptive nickname for a person who was known for their kindness or loyalty within their community. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Somerset, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region during a time of significant social and economic change. As people in rural England began to move toward towns and cities for work, the Goodwyn name spread across the country. The family was primarily composed of farmers and tradespeople who were deeply connected to the local landscape and the traditions of their parishes. Over many generations, the name evolved in spelling, but it remained a common identifier for families who valued their reputation as reliable and friendly neighbors.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godwine
Old English elements meaning good and friend or protector.
This name
GoodwynA patronymic surname signifying a good friend or a favored companion.
also spelled
Goodwin
Godwin
Related arms
Godwinvariant spelling
Goodwinvariant spelling
Dewerecorded with Goodwyn, same area
Frebodyrecorded with Goodwyn, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Somerset Archives, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
