A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gossip family of England.
Reg. 8930 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per fesse indented ar. and sa. a pale counterchanged three goats' heads erased, two and one, and as many crosses pattée fitchée, one and two, of the first”
YorkHatfield · York, c. 1620
Where the Gossip Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gossip arms are recorded
The Gossip arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Gossip 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 York.
Origin & History of the Gossip Family in England
The surname Gossip has deep roots in the historic city of York, where members of the family were firmly established by the early seventeenth century. While the name might sound like a modern term for idle chatter, its origins are likely tied to the Middle English word gossib, which originally meant a godparent or a close friend. In the social structure of 1620s York, the family name likely emerged as a nickname for someone known for their sociable nature or their role as a trusted companion within the community. As the family grew in prominence, they became active participants in the civic and religious life of Northern England. By settling in a major trade hub like York, the early Gossips were positioned to influence local commerce and contribute to the development of the city during a period of significant social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godsibb
Old English term for a godparent or close family friend.
This name
GossipA nickname for a talkative person, derived from the historical role of a godparent.
also spelled
Gossyp
Gozsip
Related arms
Curlerecorded with Gossip, same area
Fecherrecorded with Gossip, same area
Godboldrecorded with Gossip, same area
Graverecorded with Gossip, 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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
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
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
