Map of England showing where the Hewit arms are recorded
The Hewit arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Hewit 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Hewit Family in England
The surname Hewit is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Hugh. The name Hugh itself comes from the Germanic word for mind or spirit, and it became very popular in England following the Norman Conquest. By the time members of the family were established in Derby in 1620, the spelling had begun to stabilize, though variations like Hewitt and Hewett were still common in local records. Families with this name were often involved in the trade and craft industries that defined the economy of Derby during the seventeenth century. As the family grew, they integrated into the local social fabric, contributing to the development of the region as it transitioned from a medieval market town into a center of early industry.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hugh
Derived from the Germanic element hug meaning heart, mind, or spirit.
This name
HewitA patronymic surname meaning son of little Hugh or son of Hugo.
also spelled
Hewet
Hewett
Related arms
Hewetvariant spelling
Hewettvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Alkmund Parish Registers, 1620
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
