Map of England showing where the Merrell arms are recorded
The Merrell 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 Merrell 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 Merrell Family in England
The surname Merrell is rooted in the linguistic traditions of medieval England and France, often appearing in historical records as a variation of names like Muriel or Merrill. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. In 1620, members of the Merrell family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub, a time when York served as a vital center for trade and religious administration. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the local merchant classes or skilled trades, contributing to the growth of the city during the reign of King James I. Their presence in York suggests that the family had moved beyond rural agricultural roots and into the urban environments that defined the English Renaissance.
Merrell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Meryl
Derived from the Old French name Meril meaning famous or bright.
This name
MerrellA locational surname referring to someone from the town of Meriel in France.
also spelled
Morall
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Probate Records and Parish Registers
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cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
