Map of England showing where the Marvel arms are recorded
The Marvel arms were recorded in Parliament, 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 Marvel 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 Marvel Family in England
The surname Marvel is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname in medieval England, likely derived from the Old French word "merveille," which means a wonder or a miracle. It was common during this period for people to receive surnames based on their personality or a notable event associated with them. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a significant presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Marvel family were active residents in this historic northern hub. During this era, the family became deeply integrated into the local community, eventually producing notable figures such as the poet and politician Andrew Marvell, who was born in the nearby town of Winestead and educated in the region. The family’s transition from a descriptive nickname to a recognized surname reflects the broader patterns of English naming conventions that solidified during the late Middle Ages.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
merveille
Old French term meaning a wonder or a miracle.
This name
MarvelA nickname for a person who was considered a marvel or a miracle.
also spelled
Marvile
Marvyle
Related arms
Marvylevariant spelling
Beauchamprecorded with Marvel, same area
Bolckowrecorded with Marvel, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Legouis, Pierre, Andrew Marvell: Poet, Puritan, Patriot, 1968
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
