Map of England showing where the Humphries arms are recorded
The Humphries arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Humphries 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Humphries Family in England
The surname Humphries traces its origins to the medieval period in England, emerging as a patronymic name derived from the Germanic personal name Humphrey. This name is composed of the elements "hun," meaning giant or warrior, and "frid," meaning peace, together signifying a peaceful warrior. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the county of Essex. During this era, the region was a center of agricultural activity and trade, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. Records from 1620 confirm that individuals with this surname were active members of the local community, participating in the social and economic life of the English countryside long before many of their descendants began to migrate across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Humfrid
Derived from the Germanic elements for giant or support and peace.
This name
HumphriesA patronymic surname meaning son of the peaceful warrior or giant protector.
also spelled
Humphreys
Humphrys
Humphery
Related arms
Humfreys, Humphreys, Humfrey, or Humfryvariant spelling
Humpheryvariant spelling
Humphreysvariant spelling
Humphrysvariant 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 British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
horseReadiness to serve king and country
lionCourage, strength and royalty
horseReadiness to serve king and country
