Map of England showing where the Nuchols arms are recorded
The Nuchols 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 Nuchols 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 Nuchols Family in England
The family name Nuchols is a variation of the English surname Nicholls, which traces its roots to the medieval given name Nicholas. This name became popular across England after the Norman Conquest because of the influence of Saint Nicholas. By the early 17th century, the name had evolved into various spellings as families moved and recorded their names phonetically. Historical records confirm that members of the family were present in Norfolk, England, as early as 1620. These early ancestors were likely part of the growing merchant and farming classes that defined the region during the Stuart period. As the family expanded, they carried these naming traditions across the Atlantic to the American colonies, where the spelling eventually stabilized into the form used today.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nicholas
Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos meaning victory of the people.
This name
NucholsA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person bearing the name Nicholas.
also spelled
Nicholl
Nicolson
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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Registers of Norfolk, 1620
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
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
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
foxWit and wisdom in defence
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
foxWit and wisdom in defence
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
