Map of England showing where the Hinchliffe arms are recorded
The Hinchliffe 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 Hinchliffe 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 Hinchliffe Family in England
The surname Hinchliffe is of locational origin, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place name in the West Riding of Yorkshire. The name is derived from the Old English words "hinc," which refers to a narrow ledge or a steep slope, and "clif," which describes a hillside or riverbank. This suggests that the earliest families to bear the name lived near a distinctive cliffside or a rugged ravine. By the early 17th century, members of the family had moved away from their northern roots and established a presence in London. Records confirm that Hinchliffe individuals were living in the capital by 1620, likely drawn there by the growing opportunities for trade and commerce that defined the city during the reign of King James I. As these families settled into urban life, the name became a permanent fixture in English records, marking the transition of the family from rural northern landowners to active participants in the developing society of London.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hinch-clif
A steep slope or precipice located near a nook or hollow.
This name
HinchliffeDerived from a topographical location describing a dwelling situated near a steep, narrow ravine.
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, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 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
