Map of England showing where the Hinchcliffe arms are recorded
The Hinchcliffe 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 Hinchcliffe 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 Hinchcliffe Family in England
The surname Hinchcliffe is a topographical name that originated in the West Riding of Yorkshire, specifically derived from a location known as Hinchcliffe Mill near the town of Holmfirth. The name itself combines the Middle English word "hinch," meaning a steep slope or a narrow ledge, with "cliffe," which refers to a steep rock face or a cliff. By the time members of the family were recorded living in London in 1620, the name had already been established in northern England for several generations. Families often moved from these rural northern areas toward the capital during the early seventeenth century to pursue new trade opportunities and professional advancement. As they settled into the bustling environment of London, the name evolved from a local geographic marker into a distinct family identity that reflected their northern roots.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hengest and clif
Stallion and a steep rock face or cliff.
This name
HinchcliffeA dweller by the 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
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names, 1960
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1586–1611, DL/C/216
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
