A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hougham family of England.
Reg. 8456 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. five chevronels sa., borne by ROBERT DE HOUGHAM, at the siege of Acon, in Palestine, temp. Edward I.; the family sometimes bore, or, on a chev. betw. three elephants' heads erased gu. as many mullets ar”
KentHougham · Kent, c. 1696
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Map of England showing where the Hougham arms are recorded
The Hougham arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1696.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in England when the Hougham 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Hougham Family in England
The family name Hougham originates from the county of Kent in England, where it is tied to a specific place name. Historically, the name is derived from the village of Hougham, located near the coastal town of Dover. In the late seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this region, particularly around the year 1696. During this period, the name was closely associated with land ownership and local agricultural life in the rolling countryside of East Kent. Because the family name was taken from the village itself, it suggests that early ancestors were likely residents or landowners who became identified by the location of their home. Over time, as family members moved to neighboring parishes, the name remained a distinct marker of their Kentish roots and their long-standing connection to the local landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hoh
Old English term for a ridge or a heel of land.
This name
HoughamRefers to a person who lived on or near a prominent ridge or hill.
also spelled
Houghom
Houghome
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1799
Wallenberg, J. K. The Place-Names of Kent. 1934
The National Archives. Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Wills and Administrations, PROB 11
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
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
elephantGreat strength, wit and ambition
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
