Map of England showing where the Markey arms are recorded
The Markey arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1635.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Markey 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Markey Family in England
The surname Markey has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, often appearing in records across the British Isles. By the year 1635, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Hereford, England. During this era, families with this name were typically involved in local agriculture or trade, which allowed them to become integrated into the social fabric of their rural communities. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, possibly serving as a descriptive term for an individual’s location or occupation. As the family settled in Hereford, they became part of the local parish records, which helped preserve their history for future generations. Over time, the Markey name spread across different regions as members sought new opportunities, yet the early records from the seventeenth century remain a vital link to their historical beginnings.
Markey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Marcus
Derived from the Roman god of war Mars.
This name
MarkeyA patronymic surname meaning son of Mark, originating from the Latin name Marcus.
also spelled
Markie
Marky
Markeyt
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Dunkin, Edwin Hadlow Wise, The Monumental Inscriptions in the Hundred of Holt, 1885
Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre, Parish Registers of Herefordshire, 1600–1700
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
