A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Oakes family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0876 · Britain, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. engr. de sa., ch. d'une croix de Malte du champ et acc. de trois glands au nat., tigés et feuillés de sin., les tiges en bas; au canton de gu., ch. d'une étoile (8) d'arg. à dextre, et d'un croiss. tourné du même à sen. Cq. timbré d'une couronne murale de gu. C.: une tête et col de cerf au nat., coll. d'un collier brét. et c.-brét. d'or. D.: PERSEVERE.”
Britainc. 1813
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Map of Britain showing where the Oakes arms are recorded
The Oakes arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1813.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in Britain when the Oakes arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Oakes Family in Britain
The surname Oakes is a topographical name, meaning it was originally given to people who lived near a prominent oak tree or within a wooded area. In Britain, such names became common after the Norman Conquest when officials began recording surnames to track taxpayers and landowners. While the name appears in various parts of England, the Oakes family established a notable presence in the county of Kent by the early 19th century. Records from 1813 show that members of the family were living in this region, likely working in agriculture or local trades that defined the rural economy of the time. Because the oak tree was a symbol of strength and longevity in English culture, families who adopted this name were often associated with the land they inhabited for generations. This connection to the landscape helped the name persist and spread across the British Isles as families moved from small villages to growing industrial towns.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
branchPeace, and new growth
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a chev. engr. sa. betw. three sprigs of oak fructed ppr. a cross of eight points of the field, on a canton gu. a mullet of as many points within an increscent of the first”
SurreyMitcham Hall · Surrey, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Oakes arms are recorded
The Oakes arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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 Britain when the Oakes 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Oakes Family in England
The surname Oakes is a topographic name, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent oak tree or within an oak forest. In medieval England, surnames were often adopted based on a person’s surroundings, and this name became common in areas where these sturdy trees were a defining feature of the landscape. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Surrey. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Oakes family were settled in this region, likely working as farmers or tradespeople who relied on the local woodlands for their livelihood. Over time, the name spread from these rural roots into various parts of England, reflecting the movement and growth of families during the transition from the late Renaissance period into the modern era.
Oakes Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
ac
Old English term for an oak tree.
This name
OakesA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent oak tree or forest.
also spelled
Oaks
Related arms
Cuthbertrecorded with Oakes, same area
Guyrecorded with Oakes, same area
Smithrecorded with Oakes, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Kent Archives, Parish Registers for the Diocese of Canterbury, 1813
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
branchPeace, and new growth
