Map of England showing where the Heath arms are recorded
The Heath arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1568.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Heath 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Heath Family in England
The surname Heath is a classic locative name, meaning it originated from the landscape where a family lived. In medieval England, people often took their last names from the physical features of their surroundings, and those dwelling near open, uncultivated stretches of land covered in heather or gorse were frequently called Heath. By the time the family appears in the official records of Durham in 1568, the name was already well-established as a way to identify individuals by their connection to the rugged northern countryside. These early ancestors were likely farmers or laborers who lived on the outskirts of villages, where the wild heathland met the cultivated fields. Over several generations, the name transitioned from a simple description of a person’s home into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through the centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
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)
“Gu. a bend or, cotised ar. three moorcocks ppr. an annulet for diff”
DublinSearcher · Dublin, c. 1619
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Heath arms are recorded
The Heath arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1619.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Heath arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Heath Family in Ireland
The history of the Heath family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name is of English origin, referring to those who lived near open, uncultivated land, members of the family established a notable presence in Dublin by 1619. During this era, Dublin served as a primary hub for settlers arriving from England to participate in the administration and economic expansion of the city. These early settlers often integrated into the urban merchant class or served in official government roles, helping to build the infrastructure of the capital. By maintaining a foothold in Dublin, the Heath family became part of the complex social fabric of a city transitioning through a period of intense colonization and growth. Their presence in the city records from this time highlights their role as active participants in the development of early modern Irish society.
Heath Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
haeth
Old English term referring to uncultivated, open land with low shrubs.
This name
HeathA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a tract of open, uncultivated wasteland.
also spelled
Hethe
Heeth
Related arms
Heyth, or Hythevariant spelling
Crowrecorded with Heath, same area
Dyallrecorded with Heath, same area
Hamondrecorded with Heath, same area
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Durham County Record Office, Durham Bishopric Estates Records, 1568
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
