A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Humphrey family of England.
Reg. 6553 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, az. a bend betw. four leopards' faces or; 2nd and 3rd, gu. a cross patonce ar. quarter pierced of the field, charged with four escallops sa”
LeicesterSwebston · Leicester, c. 1619
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Map of England showing where the Humphrey arms are recorded
The Humphrey arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1619.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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 Humphrey 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Humphrey Family in England
The name Humphrey is derived from the Old German personal name Hunfrid, which combines the elements for giant or warrior with the word for peace. This name was brought to England by the Normans after the conquest of 1066 and quickly became popular among the nobility and common people alike. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the English Midlands, specifically within the county of Leicester. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the Humphrey family were active residents in this region during a time of significant social and agricultural change. As the name spread through generations, it evolved from a simple given name into a hereditary surname that identified families across various English towns and rural parishes.
Humphrey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Hunfrid
Derived from Germanic elements meaning giant or warrior and peace.
This name
HumphreyA peaceful giant or a warrior who brings peace to others.
also spelled
Humphry
Humfrey
Humphery
Related arms
Homfrayvariant spelling
Humfrayvariant spelling
Humfreyvariant spelling
Humpheryvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Visitations of the County of Leicester, 1619
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
