Map of England showing where the Mower arms are recorded
The Mower arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Mower 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Mower Family in England
The surname Mower is an occupational name that originated in medieval England to describe someone who earned their living by cutting grass or harvesting crops with a scythe. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the town of Derby. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Mower family were active residents in this area, participating in the local community and economy. As the name was tied to a specific trade, it likely emerged in several different regions independently as people were identified by the work they performed. Over time, the name became a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations, marking the transition from a simple job description to a lasting hereditary surname.
Mower Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
mawan
Old English verb meaning to cut grass or harvest crops.
This name
MowerAn occupational surname for a person who mowed grass or harvested hay.
also spelled
Mowre
Mowar
Moware
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
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Alkmund Parish Registers, D2359
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
