Map of England showing where the Higham arms are recorded
The Higham arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Higham 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Higham Family in England
The surname Higham is a locational name that originated in England, derived from Old English words meaning a high homestead or an enclosed settlement on elevated ground. Families bearing this name were historically tied to various villages across the country, most notably in Cheshire, where records confirm members of the family were well-established in the city of Chester by 1620. During this period, Chester served as a vital hub for trade and regional administration, suggesting that early Highams were likely involved in the bustling mercantile or professional life of the city. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of the region through their roles in community and civic affairs. The name reflects a long history of settlement in the English landscape, marking the family as one that has been rooted in the northern counties for several centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
heah and ham
Old English words for high or tall and a homestead or village.
This name
HighamA habitational name referring to someone who lived at a high-lying settlement or homestead.
also spelled
Hygham
Heigham
Related arms
Heighamsimilar arms
Hyghamvariant spelling
Hyhamvariant spelling
Busebridgerecorded with Higham, 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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Parish Records, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
