Map of England showing where the Keele arms are recorded
The Keele 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 Keele 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 Keele Family in England
The family name Keele is primarily of English origin and is often linked to geographic locations. The name likely developed as a topographic surname, which was a common way for people to identify themselves based on the land where they lived or worked. In the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the Keele family were established in London. By 1620, these individuals were part of the bustling urban landscape of the city during a time of significant social and economic change. As the family settled in London, they contributed to the growth of the capital through various trades and community roles. Over time, the name spread through different regions as family members moved to seek new opportunities or establish their own households. This history reflects the broader patterns of migration and identity formation that defined life in early modern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cyl
Old English term for a kiln or a furnace.
This name
KeeleRefers to a person who lived near a kiln or worked as a kiln operator.
also spelled
Keel
Kell
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, London, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
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martletA younger son, who must win his own land
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
