Map of England showing where the Herrig arms are recorded
The Herrig arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Herrig 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Herrig Family in England
The surname Herrig is believed to have roots in the Germanic regions of Europe, where it likely functioned as a nickname or a descriptive term for a person’s character or physical traits. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in England, with records confirming their residence in the county of Essex by 1620. During this period, Essex was a bustling region shaped by agricultural traditions and proximity to the growing influence of London. Families like the Herrigs were often part of the local yeomanry or skilled tradespeople who contributed to the stability of rural parish life. As they settled into the English landscape, the family name adapted to local linguistic patterns while maintaining its distinct ancestral connection to continental Europe. This transition highlights the movement of people across the North Sea during a time of significant social and economic change in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hari
Proto-Germanic term referring to an army or a host of warriors.
This name
HerrigDerived from a topographic or occupational name for someone living near an army camp or a soldier.
also spelled
Herries
Herys
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Essex, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
cinquefoilHope and joy
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
