A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hamden family of England.
Reg. 8240 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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 fesse betw. two chev. erm”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Hamden Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Hamden arms are recorded
The Hamden arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Hamden 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 Hamden Family in England
The family name Hamden is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, originating as a locational surname for those who lived in or near a valley. The name is derived from the Old English words "ham," meaning a home or village, and "denu," meaning a valley. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in London, a period marked by significant social and economic shifts in the city. As London grew into a bustling hub of trade and politics in 1620, families like the Hamdens were part of the urban migration that defined the era. These early residents likely participated in the vibrant commerce of the capital, contributing to the development of the city during the reign of King James I. Their presence in London records from this time suggests they were well-integrated into the professional and social life of the growing metropolis.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ham-denu
Old English elements meaning home or enclosure and a valley.
This name
HamdenRefers to a person who lived in a valley near a homestead or village.
also spelled
Hampden
Hamdon
Related arms
Hampdenvariant spelling
Leerecorded with Hamden, same area
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, 1958
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names, 1960
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
