A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Halfpenny family of England.
Reg. 0515 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Chequy ar. and sa. on a chief or, a rose gu. leaved vert, seeded of the third”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Halfpenny Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Halfpenny arms are recorded
The Halfpenny 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 Halfpenny 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 Halfpenny Family in England
The surname Halfpenny is a classic example of a nickname-based name that likely originated from a person’s association with a specific coin or a modest economic status. In medieval England, surnames often emerged from descriptive traits, occupations, or even small financial markers, and it is probable that an early ancestor was either known for handling such currency or perhaps had a connection to a local tax or trade involving the halfpenny coin. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Halfpenny family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of commerce and regional administration, suggesting that these early family members were likely integrated into the urban life of the city as tradespeople or local citizens. Over the following centuries, the family name persisted in northern England, reflecting the long-standing history of families who built their lives within the historic walls of York.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Half Penny
A Middle English term for a coin worth half a penny.
This name
HalfpennyA nickname for a person of modest means or someone associated with the coin.
also spelled
Halpeny
Halpenny
Related arms
Hallpennyvariant spelling
Halpeny, or Harpenyvariant spelling
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
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
