Map of England showing where the Hinchcliff arms are recorded
The Hinchcliff arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Hinchcliff 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 Hinchcliff Family in England
The surname Hinchcliff is a locational name that originated from the rugged landscape of Northern England. It is derived from the Old English words for a steep slope or cliff and a narrow valley. By the early 17th century, members of the family had moved away from these rural origins to seek new opportunities in the growing city of London. Records show that by 1620, the Hinchcliff family was already established within the capital. During this period, London was a bustling center of trade and commerce, and the family likely integrated into the urban workforce as merchants, craftsmen, or tradespeople. This migration reflects a broader trend of families leaving their ancestral lands to participate in the rapid expansion of English society during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hengest and clif
Stallion and a steep slope or riverbank.
This name
HinchcliffRefers to a person living near a steep cliff associated with a stallion or horse.
also spelled
Hinchcliff
Hinchliffe
Hinchcliffe
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
wyvernValour and protection, and victory over the plague
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
