Map of England showing where the Maxfield arms are recorded
The Maxfield arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Maxfield 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Maxfield Family in England
The surname Maxfield is a locational name that originated in England, specifically derived from a place name meaning "Macc’s open land" or "Macc’s field." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of Chester. Records from 1620 show members of the Maxfield family living within this walled city, which served as a major hub for trade and regional administration at the time. Because Chester was a key gateway between England and Wales, families residing there often participated in the local merchant guilds or served in civic roles. This early settlement suggests that the Maxfields were likely part of the growing urban middle class during the reign of King James I, contributing to the local economy and the social fabric of the Cheshire region.
Maxfield Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Maccus and feld
A personal name of Norse origin combined with an open land area.
This name
MaxfieldRefers to a tract of open country or clearing belonging to a man named Maccus.
also spelled
Maxfeld
Maxfill
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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Parish Records, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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