A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Leatham family of England.
Reg. 0168 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. on a chief indented az. three plates, for LEATHAM; 2nd and 2nd, ar. a chev. betw. three crescents sa”
YorkHigh Hall · York, c. 1620
Where the Leatham Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Leatham arms are recorded
The Leatham 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 Leatham 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 Leatham Family in England
The surname Leatham is a locative name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place rather than an occupation or a personal trait. The name is rooted in Old Norse and Old English, likely originating from a settlement known as "Lathum" or "Lathom," which translates to a place near the barns or storehouses. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the social and economic life of this historic northern English hub. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the merchant class, contributing to the growth of York as a center for trade and regional governance. Over time, the spelling evolved into its modern form, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in northern England throughout the late Middle Ages and the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Latham
Old Norse word for a barn or storehouse.
This name
LeathamDerived from a location in Lancashire, referring to a settlement near a barn.
also spelled
Latham
Letham
Related arms
Lathamvariant spelling
Lethamvariant spelling
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' 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
