A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Knight family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 0240 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per fess or and gu. a demi sun and a demi rose conjoined counterchanged, on the top of the demi rose two eagles' heads issuant sa. and from each side an eagle's wing displ. of the last”
OxfordNew Coll · Oxford, c. 1514
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Map of England showing where the Knight arms are recorded
The Knight arms were recorded in Oxford, c. 1514.
Oxfordshire was farming country with the university at its centre, and both produced families of standing. Scholars and lawyers who did well bought manors nearby, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat 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 England in this period.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Knight 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 Oxford.
Origin & History of the Knight Family in England
The surname Knight originated in England as a descriptive occupational name, reflecting the social structure of the Middle Ages. During this period, the term referred to a person who served a lord or a king, often acting as a mounted warrior or a trusted attendant. As surnames became hereditary, families adopted the title to identify their status or their connection to a local manor. By the early 16th century, the name was well-established across various English counties. Records confirm that members of the Knight family were living in Oxford by 1514, where they likely participated in the growing academic and commercial life of the city. These early families were often integrated into the local community as tradespeople or landowners, helping to root the name firmly in the history of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
bordureA difference between branches of one family
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, three palets gu. on a canton sa. a spur-rowel of the field within a bordure engr. of the third”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Knight arms are recorded
The Knight 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 Knight 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 Knight Family in Ireland
The history of the Knight family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name originated as a descriptive title for a mounted warrior in England, its presence in Dublin by 1645 suggests that members of the family were part of the waves of settlers moving across the Irish Sea during this turbulent era. At that time, Dublin was a central hub for administrative and military activity, making it a logical destination for families seeking new opportunities or serving in official capacities. These early residents likely integrated into the urban life of the city as merchants, tradesmen, or government officials. Over the following decades, the family name became more established within the local population as they adapted to the unique social and economic conditions of Ireland. By settling in the capital, these early ancestors helped weave the name into the broader fabric of Irish history during a period of significant national change.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. on a fess betw. three mullets az. a boar's head erased of the first”
AyrOldtown Coraby · Ayr, c. 1672
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Map of Scotland showing where the Knight arms are recorded
The Knight arms were recorded in Ayr, c. 1672.
Ayrshire was farming country along Scotland's south-west coast, held in a great many small estates. Its lairds were numerous rather than rich, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Scotland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Knight arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ayr.
Origin & History of the Knight Family in Scotland
The history of the Knight family in Scotland is deeply rooted in the social structures of the seventeenth century. While the name itself originated as a title for a mounted warrior or a servant of the crown, its presence in the coastal town of Ayr by 1672 suggests that these early family members were likely involved in the bustling trade and civic life of the region. During this period, Ayr served as a significant hub for merchants and craftsmen who helped shape the local economy. Families living in such towns often held positions of responsibility within the community, managing local affairs or contributing to the growth of the harbor. By settling in this area, the Knights became part of the long-standing tradition of Scottish burgh life, where families established their reputations through steady work and participation in the legal and social systems of the time.
Knight Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cniht
Old English word for a boy or a young servant.
This name
KnightA title for a military follower or a man of noble standing.
also spelled
Knyght
Cnight
Knighte
Nait
Knyghte
Related arms
Knite, or Knightsame arms
Wrightsimilar arms
Arthurrecorded with Knight, same area
Bethamrecorded with Knight, same area
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
Oxfordshire Archives, Oxford City Records: Records of the Chancellor's Court, 1514
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