A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Mey family of England.
Reg. 9171 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert a chev. betw. three crosses crosslet fitchée or, on a chief of the last as many roses gu”
NorfolkHouldham Abbey · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Mey Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Mey arms are recorded
The Mey arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Mey 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Mey Family in England
The surname Mey has roots that stretch back to medieval Europe, where it often functioned as a descriptive nickname. In many regions, the name was linked to the month of May, and it was frequently given to people who were born during that time or who possessed a cheerful, spring-like personality. By the early seventeenth century, members of the Mey family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk, England. Records from 1620 confirm that individuals bearing this name were active participants in the local community during a period of significant social and economic change in East Anglia. These early settlers likely worked in agriculture or local trades, contributing to the development of the region while helping to solidify the family name within the historical landscape of the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mage
Derived from the Old French word for a magician or wise man.
This name
MeyA locative or occupational surname historically referring to a person of great wisdom or magical skill.
also spelled
May
Related arms
Mayvariant spelling
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, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Norfolk Record Office, Parish registers of Norfolk, 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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
