Map of England showing where the Lockyer arms are recorded
The Lockyer arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought 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 Lockyer 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Lockyer Family in England
The surname Lockyer is an occupational name that originated in medieval England. It was historically given to people who worked as locksmiths or makers of metal fastenings. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a strong presence in the county of Devon. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Lockyer family were living in this region during a time of significant social and economic change. Many families in Devon at this time were involved in local trades or maritime industries, which allowed them to become well-integrated into their village communities. As the family grew, they spread across the English countryside, carrying their trade-based name into various professional and agricultural roles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
locarius
Latin term referring to a person who lets or hires out.
This name
LockyerAn occupational surname for a locksmith or a person who leased out property or goods.
also spelled
Lockier
Lockyear
Lokyer
Related arms
Lokervariant spelling
Lokyervariant 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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384–1858, PROB 11
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
