Map of England showing where the Kevern arms are recorded
The Kevern 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 Kevern 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 Kevern Family in England
The family name Kevern is deeply rooted in the history of Northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of York as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families to establish their livelihoods and local reputations. The name likely evolved from regional dialects and descriptive nicknames common in the medieval period, eventually becoming a fixed surname as record-keeping practices improved across the country. By settling in a prominent urban center like York, the early Keverns were part of a growing class of citizens who contributed to the city's social and economic development during a time of significant national transition. This early presence in such a historic location suggests that the family was well-integrated into the local community, participating in the daily life and civic responsibilities that defined life in the north of England during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Caer-fyrddin
Derived from the Welsh place name meaning fort of Merlin.
This name
KevernA locational surname originating from the Cornish or Welsh region referring to a dweller near a fort.
also spelled
Kevermound
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains’ Accounts, 1620
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
