Map of England showing where the Hilly arms are recorded
The Hilly 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 Hilly 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 Hilly Family in England
The family name Hilly has roots that trace back to the historic city of York in the early seventeenth century. By 1620, records show that members of the family were already established residents within this northern English hub. The name itself is likely a topographical surname, which means it was originally used to describe someone who lived on or near a hill. During this period, people often took their surnames from the natural features of the landscape surrounding their homes. As the family grew in York, they became part of the local community during a time of significant social and economic change in England. Their presence in such a prominent city suggests they were integrated into the daily life and trade of the region long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hill
A natural elevation of land or a small mountain.
This name
HillyA topographic name for someone who lived on or near a hill.
also spelled
Hilly
Hyley
Hillye
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
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
