Map of England showing where the Millward arms are recorded
The Millward 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 Millward 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 Millward Family in England
The name Millward is an occupational surname that originated in medieval England to describe a person who worked at a grain mill. During the Middle Ages, the local miller was a central figure in village life because he was responsible for grinding the community's wheat and rye into flour. The name evolved from the Old English words "mylen," meaning mill, and "weard," meaning guardian or keeper. By the time members of the family were documented living in York in 1620, the name had become a well-established hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early families in Northern England likely lived near the water-powered mills that were essential to the local economy. Because mills were often owned by the church or local lords, the Millward family held a position of trust and responsibility within their community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mylne-weard
Old English terms for a mill and a guardian or keeper.
This name
MillwardAn occupational surname for a person who worked as the keeper of a mill.
also spelled
Mylward
Myllward
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 Probate Records, 1620
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paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
