Map of England showing where the Kendrick arms are recorded
The Kendrick arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with a coat of 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 Kendrick 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Kendrick Family in England
The surname Kendrick has deep roots in the British Isles, primarily emerging from Old Welsh and Old English origins. It is widely considered a variation of the name Cynwrig, which combines elements meaning chief or hero with a word for high or hill. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the town of Reading within the county of Berkshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Kendrick family were active in local civic life during this period, often serving as prominent merchants and benefactors. These early settlers helped shape the economic landscape of the region through their involvement in the cloth trade, which was the primary industry of Berkshire at the time. Their influence in the area grew steadily, allowing them to leave a lasting mark on the local community through charitable works and public service.
Kendrick Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cynwrig
Derived from the Welsh elements for chief or kin and hero.
This name
KendrickA name signifying a royal ruler or a bold leader among one's kin.
also spelled
Kenrick
Kenwrick
Related arms
Kenrickvariant spelling
Kenwrickevariant spelling
Allcardrecorded with Kendrick, same area
Borronrecorded with Kendrick, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ditchfield, P.H., The Victoria History of the County of Berkshire, 1906
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Berkshire Record Office, Reading Borough Records: Corporation Minutes and Accounts
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
