Map of England showing where the Lemmon arms are recorded
The Lemmon arms were recorded in Suffolk, c. 1620.
Suffolk was wool country, and its cloth towns were among the wealthiest in England. Clothier families bought manors with their profits, 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Lemmon 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 Suffolk.
Origin & History of the Lemmon Family in England
The surname Lemmon has deep roots in the English county of Suffolk, where families bearing the name were well-established by the early seventeenth century. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname derived from the Middle English word *leman*, which meant a lover or a sweetheart. In medieval society, such names were often given to individuals known for their charming personality or perhaps their status as a favored companion. By 1620, records indicate that the Lemmon family had become a part of the local fabric in Suffolk, living as part of the agrarian communities that defined the region during the Stuart period. These early ancestors were likely tradespeople or farmers who contributed to the local economy of East Anglia, a region known for its prosperous wool trade and close ties to the sea. Over time, the name evolved in spelling, but its presence in Suffolk remains a testament to the family’s long-standing history within the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 fess betw. three dolphins embowed ar”
Irelandc. 1671
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lemmon arms are recorded
The Lemmon arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1671.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Lemmon 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 Lemmon Family in Ireland
The history of the Lemmon name in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting social landscape of the seventeenth century. While the surname has roots in various regions of Europe, the presence of the family in Dublin by 1671 suggests they were part of a period of significant urban growth and migration. During this era, Dublin served as a bustling center for trade and administration, attracting individuals from across the British Isles who sought new opportunities in the capital. Families like the Lemmons often integrated into the local economy by working as merchants, craftsmen, or civil servants. Their established presence in the city records by the late 1600s indicates that they were settled members of the community who contributed to the evolving identity of the city. Over time, these early residents helped anchor the name within the Irish social fabric, transitioning from newcomers to established urban citizens.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Liefman
Derived from the Old English word for dear or beloved man.
This name
LemmonA nickname for a beloved person or a term of endearment used in medieval England.
also spelled
Lemman
Lehman
Leaman
Lemmon
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, 1958
Suffolk Archives, Ipswich Probate Records, 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
owlWisdom and vigilance by night
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
owlWisdom and vigilance by night
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
