Map of England showing where the Morse arms are recorded
The Morse 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 Morse 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 Morse Family in England
The surname Morse is primarily of English origin and is often classified as a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. Many historians believe the name evolved from a nickname for someone with a dark complexion, as it is linked to the Middle English word "more," which referred to a person of Moorish descent. By the early 17th century, families bearing this name were well-established in various parts of England, including the city of York. Records from 1620 show that members of the Morse family were active participants in the local community during this period. As these individuals moved through life, they contributed to the local economy and social structure of Northern England, eventually carrying their family name across the Atlantic as part of the great migration to the American colonies.
Morse Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mauricius
Latin name derived from the word for a Moor or dark-skinned person.
This name
MorseA patronymic surname meaning son of Maurice, often associated with dark-skinned individuals.
also spelled
Morce
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
axeThe execution of military duty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
axeThe execution of military duty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
