A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Miles family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 2500 · German, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. à demi-vol d'or, posé en fasce, le bout en forme de tête de léopard cour. C.: une tête de léopard d'or, cour. du même, sommée de trois los. d'arg.; entre six bannières d'arg., ch. chacune d'une couronne d'or.”
GermanyHambourg, c. 1765
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Map of Germany showing where the Miles arms are recorded
The Miles arms were recorded in Hambourg, c. 1765.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Miles arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Miles Family in Germany
The family name Miles has deep roots in the northern German region surrounding Hamburg. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family was well-established within the city’s bustling merchant community. During this era, Hamburg served as a vital center for international trade, and families with the name Miles were often involved in the complex logistics of maritime commerce. Because the city was a hub for people moving between the British Isles and the German states, the name likely functioned as a bridge between these two cultures. The presence of the family in 1765 suggests they were part of the growing middle class that helped shape Hamburg into a major economic power. These early ancestors likely lived in the dense urban quarters near the harbor, where they contributed to the city’s reputation as a gateway to the world.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
helmetWisdom and security in defence
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Az. on a chev. engr. betw. three knights' helmets or, as many millrinds sa”
LeicesterNarborough · Leicester, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Miles arms are recorded
The Miles arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1620.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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 Germany when the Miles 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Miles Family in England
The surname Miles has deep roots in England, originating as a patronymic name derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Milo. While the name was brought to the British Isles following the Norman Conquest, it became firmly established among the local population as a common given name before evolving into a hereditary surname. By the early 17th century, the family had developed a clear presence in the Midlands, specifically within the city of Leicester. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Miles family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region during the reign of King James I. This period was a time of significant growth for Leicester, and families like the Miles clan were essential to the development of the local community as they engaged in the trades and civic duties that defined the era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Gu. betw. two bendlets erminois a sword ppr. the hilt in chief or”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Miles arms are recorded
The Miles arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Germany when the Miles arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Miles Family in Ireland
The history of the Miles family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots in older traditions, records confirm that family members were firmly established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, Dublin served as a center for trade and military administration, placing the family at the heart of a city undergoing significant upheaval. Many families with this name were part of the broader movement of settlers who arrived during the era of the plantations and the subsequent conflicts of the mid-1600s. These early residents likely participated in the urban economy of the capital, working as merchants or local officials as the city expanded. By settling in Dublin, the family became part of a diverse population that helped shape the social and economic character of the city during a time of great change in Irish history.
Miles Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Miles
Latin term for a soldier or warrior.
This name
MilesA surname derived from the Latin word for soldier, often denoting a knight or military man.
also spelled
Myles
Myls
Mylles
Mille
Related arms
Myallsame arms
Millevariant spelling
Mylesvariant spelling
Myllesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Staatsarchiv Hamburg, Hamburger Passagierlisten, 1850-1934 (Note: While this archive contains later records, it holds the foundational civil registries and tax records for Hamburg residents dating back to the 1700s)
Behrens, Heinrich, Topographie und Statistik von Hamburg, 1791
Joachim, Ernst, Hamburgische Geschichte, 1885
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wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
helmetWisdom and security in defence
millrind / fer de molineThe mill's iron, and the grinding of grain
swordJustice, and military honour
