A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Handy family of England.
Reg. 1073 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. on a saltire gu. betw. four lions' heads erased sa. five mullets of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Handy Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Handy arms are recorded
The Handy 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 Handy 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 Handy Family in England
The surname Handy is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person who was particularly skillful, dexterous, or helpful with their hands. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Handy family were well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious life, suggesting that early ancestors were likely involved in the local merchant guilds or skilled crafts that defined the city’s economy. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, eventually spreading across the region as they pursued new opportunities in agriculture and commerce. The name remains a testament to the practical talents and industrious nature that characterized these early English settlers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hand
Old English word for the hand or a physical extremity.
This name
HandyA nickname for a person who was particularly skillful or dexterous with their hands.
also spelled
Handie
Handey
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. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, UK, York City Archives: Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
