A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hoops family of England.
Reg. 2249 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a fesse erm. betw. three lions' heads erased ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hoops Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hoops arms are recorded
The Hoops 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 Hoops 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 Hoops Family in England
The surname Hoops is believed to have originated as an occupational name in medieval England, likely referring to a person who crafted hoops for barrels or wheels. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Hoops family were living in this region by 1620, a time when the city was a major hub for trade and craftsmanship. During this period, families often took their names from the tools of their trade, which suggests that early ancestors were skilled artisans who contributed to the local economy. As these individuals moved through the bustling streets of York, their name became a permanent part of the city's social fabric, reflecting a long history of manual labor and community involvement that persisted for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
hop
A Middle English term referring to a small enclosed piece of land.
This name
HoopsA topographic name for someone who lived near a small enclosed valley or piece of land.
also spelled
Hoopes
Hopes
Hope
Hoppe
Related arms
Hopevariant spelling
Hoppevariant 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' Accounts, 1620
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
