Map of England showing where the Homsi arms are recorded
The Homsi 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 Homsi 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 Homsi Family in England
The family name Homsi traces its roots to the ancient city of Homs in modern-day Syria, serving as a geographic identifier for those who originated from that historic crossroads. While the name is deeply connected to the Levant, records indicate that members of the family were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, the movement of people across trade routes often brought families from the Middle East into European centers of commerce. Settling in a city like York suggests that these early ancestors were likely involved in the merchant classes or specialized trades that connected the Mediterranean world to Northern England. Over time, the family name evolved from a simple descriptor of place into a permanent surname that traveled across borders, maintaining a link to their ancestral home while becoming part of the local history of their new communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Homs
Refers to the ancient Syrian city of Homs or Emesa.
This name
HomsiA locative surname denoting someone who originated from the city of Homs.
also spelled
Homs
Humes
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward, History, Directory, and Gazetteer of the County of York, 1822
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, SP 14
York City Archives, York House Books, B 14
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
