Map of England showing where the Larke arms are recorded
The Larke 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 Larke 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 Larke Family in England
The surname Larke is rooted in the medieval tradition of using descriptive nicknames to identify individuals within a community. It is derived from the Middle English word "larke," which refers to the small songbird known for its cheerful morning melody. In the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the historic city of York. By 1620, records indicate that members of the Larke family were integrated into the social and economic fabric of this northern English hub. During this era, York served as a vital center for trade and religious administration, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. The name likely began as a playful reference to a person’s bright personality or perhaps their skill as a singer, eventually becoming a permanent family identifier passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Laverock
An Old English word for the bird known as the lark.
This name
LarkeA nickname for a cheerful person or a talented singer resembling the bird.
also spelled
Larc
Larkk
Larck
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
