Map of England showing where the Hollingsworth arms are recorded
The Hollingsworth arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Hollingsworth 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Hollingsworth Family in England
The surname Hollingsworth is a locational name that originated in England, specifically referring to people who lived near a hollow or a clearing filled with holly trees. The name is derived from the Old English words "holegn," meaning holly, and "worth," which refers to an enclosed homestead or farm. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the County of Durham. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hollingsworth family were active in this region, likely working as landowners or farmers who helped shape the local rural economy. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of northern England, eventually spreading across the country and later to the American colonies as they sought new opportunities for trade and agriculture.
Hollingsworth Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hollin
Old English term for the holly tree or holly shrub.
This name
HollingsworthA habitational name referring to an enclosure or farmstead located near holly trees.
also spelled
Hollingworth
Hollinsworth
Hollingesworth
Related arms
Hollingworthvariant spelling
Brookerecorded with Hollingsworth, same area
Bysleyrecorded with Hollingsworth, same area
Colbarnerecorded with Hollingsworth, 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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Durham County Record Office, Durham Diocesan Records: Bishops' Transcripts of Parish 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
