Map of England showing where the Mealor arms are recorded
The Mealor arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Mealor 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Mealor Family in England
The surname Mealor is deeply rooted in the history of the English Midlands, specifically within the county of Derbyshire. By the year 1620, records confirm that the family was already well-established in the town of Derby. During this period, the name likely functioned as a locative or occupational descriptor, which was a common way for families to identify themselves in growing urban centers. As Derby served as a significant hub for trade and craftsmanship, the early Mealors were likely integrated into the local economy as skilled workers or merchants. Over the following centuries, the family maintained a steady presence in the region, reflecting the typical migration and settlement patterns of families who remained anchored to their ancestral home for generations. This long-standing connection to the area suggests that the Mealors were a stable part of the local community during the transition from the late Renaissance into the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Meler
An occupational term for a person who grinds grain into flour.
This name
MealorA topographical or occupational surname denoting someone who worked as a miller.
also spelled
Meller
Mellour
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Alkmund Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
