A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gover family of England.
Reg. 9340 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. a saltire ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gover Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gover arms are recorded
The Gover 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 Gover 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 Gover Family in England
The surname Gover is believed to have originated as a descriptive name or a nickname in medieval England. It is likely derived from the Old French word "gouve," which referred to a person who managed or governed a household or a piece of land. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 show that members of the Gover family were active participants in the local community during this period, which was a time of significant social and political change in Northern England. As residents of a major urban center, these early ancestors were likely involved in the city's vibrant trade and civic life. Over time, the name spread from these regional roots to other parts of the country as families moved for work, marriage, or new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godehard
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning god and hardy or brave.
This name
GoverAn occupational name for a governor or a nickname for someone who acted like one.
also spelled
Govier
Govyer
Govar
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, Archbishop of York Diocesan Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
