Map of England showing where the Keeble arms are recorded
The Keeble arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 Keeble 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Keeble Family in England
The surname Keeble is an ancient English name that likely originated as a nickname or a descriptive term for a person’s character. Etymologists often trace the name back to Old English roots, suggesting it may have been used to describe someone who was considered quick, sharp, or perhaps a bit clever in their daily dealings. By the time the family was firmly established in Gloucester in 1620, the name had already been passed down through several generations as a fixed hereditary surname. During this period, families in the Gloucester region were often deeply connected to the local trade guilds and the agricultural life of the Severn Valley. The presence of the Keeble family in this area during the early seventeenth century places them among the many English families who were witnessing the transition from the Elizabethan era into the turbulent times of the English Civil War. As they settled into the local community, they became part of the social fabric that defined the growth and development of the city of Gloucester.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cynebald
Derived from Old English elements meaning royal and bold.
This name
KeebleA patronymic surname originating from a personal name signifying a bold or brave ruler.
also spelled
Keebell
Keebel
Keebil
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
Gloucestershire Archives, Records of the City of Gloucester, GBR/B/3/1
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
