Map of England showing where the Killam arms are recorded
The Killam arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Killam 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 York.
Origin & History of the Killam Family in England
The surname Killam traces its roots to the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a locational name derived from small settlements or farmsteads. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a major northern hub for trade, religion, and administration, placing the Killam family at the center of a rapidly changing society. Records from 1620 confirm that individuals bearing this name were integrated into the local community, likely participating in the city’s vibrant craft guilds or agricultural networks. As the family moved through the generations, they contributed to the local economy and social fabric of Yorkshire, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined life in northern England during the Stuart era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a double-bodied lion guard. crowned or, a bordure ar”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Killam arms are recorded
The Killam 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 Killam 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 Killam Family in Ireland
The family name Killam has roots in Ireland that stretch back to the middle of the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Killam family were established residents of Dublin. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, making it a significant location for families to settle and grow. While the exact origins of the name remain a subject of historical study, its presence in the capital city suggests that early family members were likely involved in the urban life of the time. These individuals lived through a transformative era in Irish history, navigating the social and economic shifts that defined mid-1600s Dublin. Their early documentation in city records provides a clear starting point for tracing the family line within the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cill
Old Irish term for a church or monastic cell.
This name
KillamDerived from a locative name referring to someone living near a church.
also spelled
Kelham
Kellom
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’ Account Rolls, 1620
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
