Map of England showing where the Lee arms are recorded
The Lee arms were recorded in Salop, c. 1479.
Shropshire lay on the Welsh border, and border country needed men who could fight. Families held their land in return for service, and service in arms is what a coat of arms was originally for.
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.
Edward IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward IV of England
1471–1483
Reigning in England when the Lee 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 Salop.
Origin & History of the Lee Family in England
The surname Lee is rooted in the Old English word "leah," which refers to a clearing in a forest or a meadow. In medieval England, people often took their names from the landscape features near their homes, meaning the family likely lived near such a clearing. By the late 15th century, the name was well-established in the county of Shropshire, also known as Salop. Records confirm that members of the family were living in this region by 1479, where they were often involved in local land management and community life. As the family grew, they spread across different parts of England, adapting the spelling of their name to forms like Leigh or Lea. This history reflects the way many English families were tied to the specific geography of their local villages during the Middle Ages.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a fesse betw. three crescents sa”
TipperaryBarna · Tipperary, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lee arms are recorded
The Lee arms were recorded in Tipperary, c. 1645.
Tipperary was the best grazing land in Ireland, held by a small number of powerful families. Land of that value stayed in the same hands, and unbroken holding is what puts a name in the records.
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 Lee 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 Tipperary.
Origin & History of the Lee Family in Ireland
The history of the Lee name in Ireland is deeply connected to the turbulent events of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots in various regions, historical evidence confirms that members of the family were firmly established in County Tipperary by 1645. During this period, Ireland was caught in the midst of the Irish Confederate Wars, a time of great social and political upheaval. Families like the Lees often held land and played roles in local community leadership, but they faced significant challenges as land ownership patterns shifted due to ongoing conflicts and changes in government control. By settling in Tipperary, the family became part of the complex tapestry of Irish history, navigating the transition from the old Gaelic and Anglo-Norman structures into a new era of colonial administration. Their presence in the region during the mid-1600s highlights the family's long-standing roots in the Irish landscape long before the major migrations of later centuries.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a fesse az. betw. three unicorns' heads erased sa. as many leopards' faces or”
Scotlandc. 1748
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 Scotland showing where the Lee arms are recorded
The Lee arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Lee 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Lee Family in Scotland
The name Lee in Scotland often traces its roots to the Old English word leah, which refers to a meadow or a clearing in a forest. While the name has deep connections to English geography, families bearing this surname established a firm presence in Edinburgh by the mid-eighteenth century. During this period, the city was undergoing a massive transformation known as the Scottish Enlightenment, which brought new opportunities for trade and professional growth. Families named Lee living in Edinburgh in 1748 likely participated in this vibrant urban culture as the city expanded beyond its medieval walls. These early residents were part of a growing class of citizens who helped shape the social and economic landscape of Scotland’s capital during a time of great change. By settling in such a central hub, these individuals integrated their family history into the broader narrative of Scottish urban life.
Lee Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
leah
An Old English word referring to a woodland clearing or glade.
This name
LeeA topographical surname for someone who lived near a meadow or forest clearing.
also spelled
Le
Leee
Leigh
Ley
Lea
Related arms
Leighsame arms
levariant spelling
Leavariant spelling
Leyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
