Map of England showing where the Lockett arms are recorded
The Lockett arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Lockett 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Lockett Family in England
The surname Lockett is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name, likely derived from the Old French word "loquet," which means a latch or a small fastening. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name may have been skilled metalworkers, locksmiths, or perhaps individuals who lived near a prominent gate or enclosure. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of Chester. Records confirm that members of the Lockett family were living in this region by 1620, a time when Chester served as a vital hub for trade and administration in the northwest of England. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community, contributing to the social and economic life of the city during a period of significant transition in English history.
Lockett Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Loc
Old French term for a lock or a small enclosure.
This name
LockettA diminutive form referring to a person who lived near a lock or a maker of locks.
also spelled
Lockit
Lockat
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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Bishop's Transcripts for the Diocese of Chester, 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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
