Map of England showing where the Hileman arms are recorded
The Hileman 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 Hileman 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 Hileman Family in England
The Hileman surname is rooted in the Germanic linguistic tradition, likely evolving from the Middle High German term *heil*, which relates to health or salvation, combined with *man*. This suggests that the name may have originally served as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their good health or perhaps a healer within their community. By the year 1620, records indicate that members of the family were established in York, England, suggesting that they were part of the wave of continental European migrants who moved to Britain for trade or religious reasons during the early seventeenth century. These early Hilemans likely integrated into the local economy as skilled tradespeople or laborers, helping to shape the social fabric of the region during a period of significant transition. As the family grew, they adapted to the English language and customs while maintaining the distinct phonetic structure of their original name.
Hileman Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Heilman
Derived from the Germanic elements for health or luck and man.
This name
HilemanA locational or occupational surname referring to a healthy or fortunate man.
also spelled
Holman
Holemon
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
