Map of England showing where the Markum arms are recorded
The Markum 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 Markum 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 Markum Family in England
The surname Markum is a variation of the older name Markham, which originated as a locational name for people living near a boundary or a marshy meadow. In Old English, the term "mearc" referred to a border or a boundary, while "ham" meant a village or a homestead. By the time the family was firmly established in York during the early 17th century, the name had already been in use for several generations across Northern England. The presence of the family in York by 1620 suggests they were part of a growing class of merchants or tradespeople who moved toward urban centers during the Stuart period. These early ancestors likely lived through a time of significant social change, as York served as a vital hub for trade and administration in the north. The spelling of the name often shifted during this era because many people wrote phonetically, leading to the distinct version used by your branch of the family today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 saltire engr. or, on a chief of the last a lion ramp. issuant of the first”
DublinDublin, c. 1644
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Markum arms are recorded
The Markum arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1644.
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 I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Markum 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Markum Family in Ireland
The family name Markum has deep roots in the social landscape of seventeenth-century Ireland, particularly within the bustling urban environment of Dublin. By 1644, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents in the city. During this era, Dublin was a center of significant political and social transition, and families like the Markums were often involved in the local trade and civic life that defined the capital. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic traditions, reflecting the movement of people across the Irish Sea and the integration of various cultural groups into the city’s growing population. As the family settled into the fabric of Dublin, they became part of the complex history of a city navigating the challenges of the mid-1600s. Their presence in these early official documents highlights their role as active participants in the development of the region during a formative period in Irish history.
Markum Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Marcus
Derived from the Roman god of war Mars.
This name
MarkumA locational surname referring to a boundary or borderland settlement.
also spelled
Markeham
Markam
Markehamme
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
