Map of England showing where the Hole arms are recorded
The Hole arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Hole 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Hole Family in England
The surname Hole is a topographical name that originated in medieval England. It was typically given to people who lived in or near a hollow, a valley, or a deep depression in the landscape. Because the name describes a specific physical feature, it likely emerged independently in several different locations across the country. By the early 17th century, the family had established a strong presence in the county of Devon. Records from 1620 show that members of the Hole family were well-integrated into the local community during this period. They were often involved in the agricultural and social life of the region, helping to shape the rural landscape of the West Country. Over time, the name became deeply rooted in Devon, where many families continued to live and work for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hol
Old English word for a hollow, hole, or depression in land.
This name
HoleA topographic name for someone who lived in a hollow or valley.
also spelled
Holl
Holles
Related arms
Hollvariant spelling
Hollesvariant 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
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
