Map of England showing where the Hellis arms are recorded
The Hellis 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 Hellis 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 Hellis Family in England
The family name Hellis traces its roots back to the northern English city of York, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Hellis line were often integrated into the local merchant or craft guilds that defined the city’s economy. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, possibly serving as a descriptive nickname or a variation of a personal name common in the medieval period. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, living through a time of significant political change in England. By settling in such a prominent historical hub, the early Hellis family members were positioned to participate in the local governance and community development that shaped the region for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Helias
The Greek name for the sun god Helios.
This name
HellisA medieval patronymic surname derived from the personal name Elias, meaning the Lord is my God.
also spelled
Hellias
Hellys
Hely
Related arms
Hellersvariant spelling
Hellesvariant spelling
Helliasvariant spelling
Helyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Dobson, R. B., York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1396-1500, 1980
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
lionCourage, strength and royalty
