Map of England showing where the Joy arms are recorded
The Joy arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Joy 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 Joy Family in England
The surname Joy is primarily of English and French origin, appearing as a descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful or lighthearted personality. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Joy family were well-established in London. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and social change, and families with this name were active participants in the urban life of the seventeenth century. The name likely evolved from the Old French word joie, which meant joy or gladness. Over time, it became a fixed surname passed down through generations as families settled into specific neighborhoods and parishes. These early residents of London contributed to the city's growth during a time of significant historical transition, helping to solidify the name as a permanent part of the English landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
gaudia
Latin term for joy, gladness, or delight.
This name
JoyDerived from a medieval nickname for a cheerful or happy person.
also spelled
Joie
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, 1997
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1586–1611, DL/C/218
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
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
