Map of England showing where the Hopper arms are recorded
The Hopper 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 Hopper 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 Hopper Family in England
The surname Hopper originated in England as an occupational name, likely referring to a person who worked as a dancer or a performer in medieval times. The word itself comes from the Middle English term hoppen, which means to leap or jump. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern county of Durham. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hopper family were active in this region, which was a center for coal mining and agriculture. Over time, the name became deeply rooted in the local community, with many families living and working in the rugged landscape of the North East. This history reflects the broader movement of English families who transitioned from simple trade roles to becoming essential parts of the regional economy and social structure.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. three roses gu”
Scotlandc. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Hopper arms are recorded
The Hopper arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Hopper arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Hopper Family in Scotland
The surname Hopper has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, functioning originally as an occupational name for a person who worked as a dancer or a grain merchant. By the time the family established a notable presence in Edinburgh in 1748, the name had become well-integrated into the social fabric of Scotland. During the eighteenth century, Edinburgh was a bustling center of trade and intellectual growth, providing a fertile environment for families like the Hoppers to engage in the city’s expanding professional life. While the name likely arrived in Scotland through migration from northern England, those who settled in the capital quickly became part of the local community. These early residents contributed to the daily life of the city, participating in the urban development and commerce that defined Edinburgh during the Enlightenment era.
Hopper Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
hoppian
Old English verb meaning to leap, dance, or hop.
This name
HopperAn occupational name for a professional dancer, acrobat, or a person who hopped.
also spelled
Hopere
Related arms
Howper, or Hoopersimilar arms
Hallrecorded with Hopper, same area
Headrecorded with Hopper, same area
Middletonrecorded with Hopper, 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 Bishopric Estates Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
