Map of England showing where the Hamre arms are recorded
The Hamre 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 Hamre 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 Hamre Family in England
The surname Hamre originates from the Old Norse word *hamarr*, which refers to a steep, rocky hillside or a crag. In the context of early Scandinavian naming traditions, families often adopted surnames based on the specific geography of their homesteads. By the early 17th century, members of the Hamre family had established a presence in the Lancaster region of England. This suggests that the family was part of the early movement of people across the North Sea, likely seeking new opportunities in trade or agriculture. These early settlers brought their distinct naming customs with them, helping to preserve a link to their ancestral landscape even as they integrated into the local communities of 1620s England. Over time, the name evolved from a simple topographical descriptor into a permanent family identifier that reflects both its rugged Nordic roots and its long history of migration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hamr
Old Norse word for shape, form, or skin.
This name
HamreA topographic name for someone who lived near a rocky cliff or crag.
also spelled
Haymer
Hamar
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Rygh, Oluf. Norske Gaardnavne. 1897
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia. A Dictionary of Surnames. 1988
Lancashire Archives, Lancaster Parish Church Baptismal and Burial Registers
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
