A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hallow family of England.
Reg. 3264 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. three crescents ar. a bordure engr. or (another, ar.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hallow Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hallow arms are recorded
The Hallow 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 Hallow 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 Hallow Family in England
The family name Hallow 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 religion, and families like the Hallows were often integrated into the local economy as skilled tradespeople or merchants. The name itself likely originated as a topographical surname, which was a common way for people to identify themselves based on the land where they resided. It is probable that the earliest ancestors lived near a hollow or a low-lying valley, as the Old English word *hol* described such a landscape feature. Over time, this descriptive term evolved into a permanent family name that was passed down through generations. These early settlers were part of the fabric of York during a time of significant social change, helping to shape the community long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
halig
Old English word meaning holy or sacred.
This name
HallowRefers to a person who lived near a holy place or a shrine.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Hey, David, York: The Making of a City, 2013
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York Registers
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
