Map of England showing where the Jefferson arms are recorded
The Jefferson arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Jefferson 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 York.
Origin & History of the Jefferson Family in England
The surname Jefferson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally formed by adding the suffix "son" to the given name Jeffrey. This naming convention became common in England during the Middle Ages as families began to adopt permanent surnames to distinguish themselves in growing communities. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Jefferson family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for commerce and trade in Northern England. Families living there often played active roles in local civic life or specialized crafts. As the family grew and moved throughout the region, the name remained a clear link to their ancestral roots in the northern counties of England.
Jefferson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Jeffrey
Derived from the Germanic name meaning peace of God.
This name
JeffersonA patronymic surname meaning son of Jeffrey or son of Geoffrey.
also spelled
Jeaffreson
Jeffreson
Jeffers
Related arms
Jeaffresonvariant spelling
Jeffson, or Jephsonvariant spelling
Bonneyrecorded with Jefferson, same area
Correnrecorded with Jefferson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
lionCourage, strength and royalty
