Map of England showing where the London arms are recorded
The London 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 London 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 London Family in England
The surname London is a locative name, meaning it was originally given to individuals who migrated from the city of London to other parts of England. During the medieval period, it was common for people to adopt the name of their hometown as a way to identify themselves to new neighbors. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name had established roots in various northern regions, including York. Records confirm that members of the London family were living in York by 1620, likely working as tradespeople or merchants within the city walls. These early settlers were part of a wider movement of people who carried their geographic identity as a permanent family name, helping historians track the migration patterns of English families during the Stuart era.
London Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Londinium
A Romano-British settlement of uncertain etymological origin.
This name
LondonA habitational surname denoting someone who originated from the city of London.
also spelled
Lunden
Lundon
Loundon
Related arms
Brettrecorded with London, same area
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
