A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hamar family of England.
Reg. 0337 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a bend or, betw. two lions ramp. ar”
LancasterHamer · Lancaster, c. 1620
Where the Hamar Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Hamar arms are recorded
The Hamar arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Hamar 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Hamar Family in England
The surname Hamar is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a topographical name for people who lived near a rocky outcrop or a stony hill. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Hamar family were well-established in the county of Lancaster. During this period, families in the region were often deeply connected to the local textile trade or agricultural life in the rural parishes. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of northwestern England, living through a time of significant religious and political change. Their presence in Lancaster suggests they were part of a stable community that helped shape the local history of the region long before the industrial expansion of later centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ham
A Germanic element meaning home or homestead.
This name
HamarA habitational name referring to someone who lived at a home or enclosure.
also spelled
Haymer
Hamar
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
Lancashire Archives, Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers for the Diocese of Chester, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
