Map of England showing where the Kidane arms are recorded
The Kidane arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1765.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Kidane 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Kidane Family in England
The family name Kidane has deep roots that connect to the cultural history of the Horn of Africa, where it traditionally functions as a given name meaning "my covenant" or "my bond" in the Ge'ez language. While the name is widely recognized in regions like Eritrea and Ethiopia, its presence in England dates back much further than many might expect. Historical records confirm that members of the family were living in Leicester as early as 1765. During this period, Leicester was a growing market town undergoing significant social and industrial changes. The presence of the family in such a specific location during the eighteenth century suggests that they were part of the early movement of individuals who navigated the complex trade and travel routes connecting Africa to Britain. This early settlement highlights a long-standing history of the family name within the British landscape, marking them as part of the diverse tapestry of Leicester’s population for over two hundred and fifty years.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Kidane-Meheret
Ge'ez term referring to a covenant or a sacred agreement.
This name
KidaneDerived from the Ethiopian name meaning my covenant or my bond.
also spelled
Kidnie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Leicestershire Archives, Quarter Sessions Records: Depositions and Examinations, 1765
Leslau, Wolf, Comparative Dictionary of Ge'ez (Classical Ethiopic), 1987
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lambGentleness, patience and faith
ramLeadership and authority
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lambGentleness, patience and faith
ramLeadership and authority
