Map of England showing where the Oldest arms are recorded
The Oldest 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 Oldest 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 Oldest Family in England
The surname Oldest is a rare and intriguing name that first appears in historical records within the city of York during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, families bearing this name were established residents of the region, living amidst the bustling trade centers and historic stone streets of Northern England. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive nickname, perhaps used to identify the eldest son in a family or a person who held a position of seniority within their local community. As the family settled into York, they became part of the city’s long tradition of craftsmanship and commerce. While the name remains uncommon today, its presence in York during the reign of King James I suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the era, contributing to the local life of one of England’s most significant medieval cities.
Oldest Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Eald
Old or ancient in Old English
This name
OldestA descriptive nickname for the eldest child or an elder member of a community.
also spelled
Olds
Oldse
Oldis
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York, 1272–1759
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
lionCourage, strength and royalty
