A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Kellet family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8101 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
What the shield shows
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. on a mount vert a wild boar sa. chained and armed or”
SurreyRipley · Surrey, c. 1620
Where the Kellet Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Kellet arms are recorded
The Kellet arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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 Kellet 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Kellet Family in England
The surname Kellet traces its roots to ancient northern England, specifically derived from locations in Lancashire. The name is topographical, likely referring to a hill or a steep ridge near a settlement. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had migrated south, establishing a notable presence in Surrey by 1620. During this period, the family integrated into local parish life, appearing in various church registers and legal documents.
These early settlers were often involved in agriculture and local trade, which helped them build stable lives in their new home. Their movement reflects the broader patterns of internal migration that shaped English society during the Stuart era. Today, the name remains a testament to their long history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
What the shield shows
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Vert a saltire ar. in chief a cinquefoil or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Kellet Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Kellet arms are recorded
The Kellet arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Kellet arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Kellet Family in Ireland
The Kellet family name holds a distinct place in Irish history, with documented roots reaching back to the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established residents of Dublin by 1645. During this era, Dublin served as a bustling center of trade and political change. The presence of the Kellets in the capital suggests they were likely involved in the professional or merchant classes that helped shape the city during a period of significant upheaval.
As the decades passed, the family expanded their influence beyond the city walls. They integrated into the local social fabric, eventually securing land and property across various Irish counties. Their transition from urban settlers to landowners reflects the broader patterns of migration and settlement common among families of that time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ketill
Old Norse word for a sacrificial cauldron or helmet.
This name
KelletDerived from a place name meaning a cauldron-shaped valley or a settlement belonging to Ketill.
also spelled
Kelit
Kellot
Kelat
Related arms
Ingilbyrecorded with Kellet, same area
Inglebyrecorded with Kellet, same area
Kelseyrecorded with Kellet, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, C. W., A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Surrey History Centre, Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
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mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cinquefoilHope and joy
