A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Guven family of England.
Reg. 7838 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. ar. betw. three fleurs-de-lis or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Guven Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Guven arms are recorded
The Guven 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 Guven 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 Guven Family in England
The history of the Guven family name is deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of seventeenth-century England, with documented evidence placing family members in the city of York as early as 1620. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and craftsmanship, attracting families who often held roles in local commerce or specialized labor. The name itself is thought to have evolved through regional linguistic shifts, reflecting the diverse origins of people living in northern England at the time. As the family established their roots in the city, they became part of the local community fabric, likely navigating the social and economic changes that defined the early Stuart era. By settling in such a historically significant location, the early members of the Guven family contributed to the long-standing tradition of families who helped shape the identity of York through their daily work and civic participation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Güven
Turkish word meaning trust, confidence, or reliance.
This name
GuvenA surname derived from the Turkish noun for trust, signifying a reliable or dependable person.
also spelled
Guvein
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
City of York Council Archives, York Freemen’s Register
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
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
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
