Map of England showing where the Killick arms are recorded
The Killick 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 Killick 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 Killick Family in England
The surname Killick is believed to have originated in the southern coastal regions of England, likely emerging as a descriptive name or a locational identifier during the Middle Ages. While the exact meaning remains a subject of debate among etymologists, some suggest it may be linked to the Old English word for a small anchor or a specific type of boat, reflecting the maritime heritage of early families living near the sea. By the early 17th century, the name had spread inland, with documented records confirming that members of the Killick family were established in the historic city of York by 1620. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local trades and civic life of the city, contributing to the growing urban population of Northern England. As the centuries progressed, the name remained concentrated in specific regions, serving as a quiet testament to the movement and settlement patterns of families across the English landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cylla
Old English personal name meaning a small or young person.
This name
KillickA diminutive form derived from a personal name, likely indicating a descendant of Cylla.
also spelled
Kyllicke
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
axeThe execution of military duty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
axeThe execution of military duty
