Map of England showing where the Hitchins arms are recorded
The Hitchins 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 Hitchins 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 Hitchins Family in England
The surname Hitchins is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Hitchin. This name itself is a diminutive form of the name Richard, evolving through the nickname Hich or Hitch. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Hitchins family were well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, families in northern England often lived in close-knit communities where trade and craftsmanship defined their daily lives. As the family grew, they likely moved through the bustling streets of York, contributing to the local economy and social fabric of the region. Over several generations, the name became a permanent fixture in the area, reflecting the common practice of turning personal nicknames into lasting family identifiers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hitchin
A diminutive form of the name Richard meaning brave power.
This name
HitchinsA patronymic surname indicating son of the brave power ruler.
also spelled
Hytchins
Hytchin
Related arms
Hechinsvariant spelling
Hichinsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
