Map of England showing where the Hopson arms are recorded
The Hopson 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 Hopson 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 Hopson Family in England
The surname Hopson is an English patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of someone named Hob or Hobb. These names were common medieval nicknames for Robert. By the early 17th century, the name had become well-established in the northern English city of York. Records confirm that members of the Hopson family were living in York by 1620, where they were likely involved in the local trade and civic life of the city. During this period, families often settled in specific regions for generations, and the presence of the Hopsons in York suggests they were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city’s history during the Stuart era. As the name spread across England, it remained a simple way to mark family lineage through the generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hob
A medieval pet form of the name Robert meaning bright fame.
This name
HopsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Hob or son of Robert.
also spelled
Hopsonne
Related arms
Sherlandrecorded with Hopson, 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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
