A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hannam family of England.
Reg. 7327 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, or and gu. on a bend sa. three crosses formée fitchée ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hannam Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hannam arms are recorded
The Hannam 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 Hannam 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 Hannam Family in England
The surname Hannam is believed to have originated as a locative name, which means it was likely taken from a specific place or settlement in England. While the name appears in various regions, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York by the year 1620. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, and families living there were often involved in local crafts or mercantile activities. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older English roots, possibly derived from a combination of words describing a homestead or a valley. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the city, contributing to the local community through their work and civic participation. By tracing these early residents, we gain a clearer picture of how the Hannam name became anchored in the history of northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hanna
A Hebrew name meaning grace or favor.
This name
HannamDerived from a locative source referring to a homestead or enclosure near a river.
also spelled
Hannum
Related arms
Hanhamsimilar arms
Harmansimilar arms
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
