A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harvell family of England.
Reg. 1021 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a chev. gu. five bezants”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Harvell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Harvell arms are recorded
The Harvell 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 Harvell 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 Harvell Family in England
The Harvell name has roots that trace back to the northern regions of England, with historical records confirming the presence of family members in the city of York by 1620. During this period, the name likely emerged as a locational surname, which was a common practice for identifying individuals based on the village or geographic feature where they lived. Families in seventeenth-century York often worked in trade or agriculture, contributing to the growing urban economy of the city. As these early ancestors moved through the region, the spelling of the name occasionally shifted to match local dialects or the preferences of record keepers. By establishing themselves in a major historical center like York, the Harvell family became part of a long tradition of English lineage that reflects the social and economic shifts of the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Harewell
A spring or stream frequented by hares.
This name
HarvellDerived from a topographic location referring to a well or spring associated with hares.
also spelled
Harvil
Harvill
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
