A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hankes family of England.
Reg. 5608 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Bendy of six az. and or, a chief erm”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hankes Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hankes arms are recorded
The Hankes 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 Hankes 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 Hankes Family in England
The surname Hankes is rooted in the medieval naming traditions of Northern England, where it likely originated as a diminutive form of the name John. In the Middle Ages, people often added suffixes like "kin" or "kes" to a name to show affection or to distinguish a younger person from an older relative with the same name. By the early 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hankes family were living and working within this influential urban center, which served as a major hub for trade and administration in the north. During this period, families often lived in the same neighborhoods for generations, meaning the Hankes name was likely well-known among the local merchants and craftsmen who built the city’s economy. This early residency in York suggests that the family was integrated into the social and professional life of one of England’s most significant historical cities during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
God is gracious
This name
HankesA diminutive form of John, indicating a son or descendant of John.
also spelled
Hankis
Hankys
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
