A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Govey family of England.
Reg. 5045 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
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)
“Ar. a cross lozengy betw. four eagles displ. sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Govey Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Govey arms are recorded
The Govey 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 Govey 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 Govey Family in England
The family name Govey has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Goveys were often part of the skilled working class that kept the city running. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older occupational or locational surnames that evolved as families moved through the northern counties of England. Because the Govey family was established in York during the early seventeenth century, they likely witnessed the significant social and political shifts that defined that era of English history. By settling in such a prominent administrative hub, these early ancestors were positioned at the heart of regional developments, leaving behind a legacy that has persisted for over four hundred years.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gaufridus
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning territory and peace.
This name
GoveyA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive form of the name Geoffrey.
also spelled
Govey
Gowve
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory, and Gazetteer, of the County of York. 1822
North Yorkshire County Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for the City of York, PR/YOR
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
cross symbolChristian faith and service
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
