A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lefever family of England.
Reg. 1077 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Az. a pile erm. betw. three cinquefoils or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Lefever Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Lefever arms are recorded
The Lefever 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 Lefever 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 Lefever Family in England
The surname Lefever originates from the French term *le fèvre*, which translates to the smith or the ironworker. This name was originally a professional title given to people who worked with metal, such as blacksmiths, who held essential roles in medieval society. By the early 17th century, members of the family had migrated across the English Channel and established a presence in York by 1620. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local trade guilds of the city, as metalworking was a highly regulated and respected craft. Their transition from continental Europe to England reflects the broader movement of skilled artisans who sought new opportunities in growing urban centers. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved from its French roots to the version used by the family today, marking their long history of adaptation and craftsmanship.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
le fevre
Old French term for a metal worker or blacksmith.
This name
LefeverAn occupational surname for a person who worked with iron or metal.
also spelled
Lefevre
Lefebvre
Lefeuvre
Related arms
Le Febvrevariant spelling
Le Feuvrevariant spelling
Lefevrevariant spelling
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Parish Registers of York, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
