A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Martir family of England.
Reg. 5566 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. an eagle displ. within a double tressure flory counterflory gu., on a chief quarterly, or and of the second, a rose betw. two lions ramp. in fesse counterchanged”
Englandc. 1620
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 England showing where the Martir arms are recorded
The Martir 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 Martir 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 Martir Family in England
The surname Martir carries a deep historical connection to the religious and social shifts of the seventeenth century. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established in the city of York, a major northern hub that served as a center for both trade and regional governance. The name itself is often linked to the Latin word *martyr*, which historically denoted someone who showed great dedication to a cause or faith. During this period, families with this name were likely part of the growing urban middle class, participating in the skilled trades or local administrative roles that defined life in a cathedral city. As the family settled into the region, they became part of the fabric of York, contributing to the local community during a time of significant transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Martyr
Derived from the Greek word martys meaning a witness.
This name
MartirAn occupational or descriptive name for someone who suffered for their faith or beliefs.
also spelled
Martir
Martire
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
The National Archives. Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
