Map of England showing where the Hincks arms are recorded
The Hincks arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Hincks 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Hincks Family in England
The family name Hincks has deep roots in the historic city of Chester, where records confirm members of the family were living by 1620. The name likely originated as a patronymic, which means it was derived from a shortened version of the name Henry, such as Hink or Hinke. During the seventeenth century, Chester was a bustling center of trade and a vital gateway to Ireland, which likely influenced the movement and professional lives of families residing there. As the Hincks family established themselves in the region, they became part of the local social fabric, often appearing in municipal records as citizens involved in the civic and commercial life of the city. Over time, the name evolved from these early informal references into a stable surname that persisted through generations of residents in the Cheshire area.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Sa. a lion ramp. ar. an orle of six bezants”
Irelandc. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Hincks arms are recorded
The Hincks arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hincks arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Hincks Family in Ireland
The Hincks family established a notable presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin as early as 1645. The name itself is of English origin, likely derived from a diminutive form of the name Hink, which was a common nickname for Henry. During the mid-1600s, Ireland was undergoing significant social and political upheaval due to the Cromwellian conquest. Many families of English descent moved to Dublin during this era to participate in the growing administrative and mercantile sectors of the capital city. As the family settled into their new environment, they became integrated into the urban fabric of Dublin, moving away from their ancestral roots in England to build a new life within the Irish Pale. This transition reflects the broader movement of families who sought economic opportunities and stability in Ireland during a period of intense historical change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hink
A diminutive form of the Germanic name Henry meaning home ruler.
This name
HincksA patronymic surname indicating son of Hink or son of Henry.
also spelled
Hinckes
Hyncks
Related arms
Hinckes, Hincks, or Hinksvariant spelling
Hinks, or Hincksvariant spelling
Ormerodrecorded with Hincks, same area
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
Morris, Rupert H., Chester in the Plantagenet and Tudor Reigns, 1893
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Freemen Rolls (1392–1805)
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills (1620–1650)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
