Map of Britain showing where the King arms are recorded
The King arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1700.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the King arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Kent.
Origin & History of the King Family in Britain
The surname King is a classic example of a nickname-based name that became common in medieval Britain. It originated as a descriptive term for someone who played the role of a king in local pageants or folk festivals, or perhaps for a person who carried themselves with a regal or commanding air. By the time the name became a permanent family identifier, it was well-established across various English counties. Records show that members of the King family were firmly settled in the county of Kent by the year 1700. During this period, families in Kent were often tied to the local agricultural economy or the busy maritime trade along the coast. As the name spread through generations, it moved from being a simple label for a person's behavior to a lasting family legacy that defined their place within the local community.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a lion pass. or, a label of three points ar”
EnglandLondon, c. 1568
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the King arms are recorded
The King arms were recorded in London, c. 1568.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the King 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 King Family in England
The surname King originated in medieval England as a descriptive nickname, likely given to someone who played the role of a king in local pageants or who acted in a particularly regal or haughty manner. By the time the name appeared in London records during 1568, it had become a well-established hereditary surname passed down through generations. During the sixteenth century, families bearing this name were often integrated into the growing urban life of the capital, working as tradespeople, merchants, or skilled laborers. Because London was a major center for commerce and migration at this time, individuals with the name King were frequently documented in parish registers and tax rolls as they participated in the social and economic shifts of the Elizabethan era. These early records show that the family was firmly rooted in the daily life of the city, contributing to the diverse population that defined London during the late Renaissance.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 lion ramp. or, betw. two flaunches erm”
DublinClontarf · Dublin, c. 1606
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the King arms are recorded
The King arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1606.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the King 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the King Family in Ireland
The history of the King surname in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots in various regions, records confirm that members of the King family were established in Dublin by 1606. During this era, the surname often functioned as an anglicized version of native Gaelic names like Ó Cionga or Mac Conraoi, though many families bearing the name also arrived as part of the administrative and military expansion from Britain. By settling in Dublin, these early family members placed themselves at the center of Irish governance and trade. Over time, the name became associated with both the merchant classes and the landed gentry who navigated the complex social changes of the period. This presence in the capital allowed the family to integrate into the developing urban economy, marking the beginning of a long history for the name within the city and the wider country.
King Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cyning
Old English term for a tribal leader or monarch.
This name
KingA nickname for someone who acted in a regal manner or served in a king's household.
also spelled
Kyng
Kynge
Related arms
Bohunrecorded with King, same area
Coldhamrecorded with King, same area
Dashwoodrecorded with King, same area
Fifieldrecorded with King, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Kent Archives, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
