Map of England showing where the Keene arms are recorded
The Keene arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 Keene 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 Keene Family in England
The surname Keene is rooted in the Old English word *cene*, which translates to bold, brave, or keen. During the Middle Ages, this term was often used as a descriptive nickname for a person known for their sharp intellect or courageous spirit. By the time the name became hereditary, families bearing this title were well-established in various parts of England. Records confirm that members of the Keene family were present in the city of York by 1620, where they likely participated in the vibrant trade and civic life of that historic northern hub. As these early ancestors settled into their communities, the name evolved from a simple descriptor into a lasting family identity that was passed down through generations.
Keene Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cene
Old English word meaning bold, keen, or brave.
This name
KeeneA nickname for a sharp-witted, bold, or courageous individual.
also spelled
Keane
Related arms
Keanvariant spelling
Keanevariant spelling
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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