Map of Britain showing where the Ottaway arms are recorded
The Ottaway arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1831.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in 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 Britain in this period.
William IV
Sovereign of the period
William IV
1830–1837
Reigning in Britain when the Ottaway 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Ottaway Family in Britain
The family name Ottaway is rooted in ancient English history, originating from a combination of Old English and Old Norse elements that suggest a connection to ancestral lands or personal names. While the name appears in various regional records across southern England, there is a clear historical presence of the family in the county of Sussex by the early 19th century. During this period, the family members living in Sussex were typically part of the rural working class, often contributing to the agricultural development of the region. As the Industrial Revolution began to reshape the British landscape, many families with this name transitioned from traditional farming roles into the growing trades and crafts of the Victorian era. The name remains a testament to the long-standing presence of families who helped build the local communities of the English countryside over many generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a pile sa. a chev. counterchanged”
SussexBrighthelmstone · Sussex, c. 1831
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Map of England showing where the Ottaway arms are recorded
The Ottaway arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1831.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in 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.
William IV
Sovereign of the period
William IV
1830–1837
Reigning in Britain when the Ottaway 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Ottaway Family in England
The surname Ottaway is rooted in the Old English language, likely evolving from a combination of personal names that signify a connection to wealth or prosperity. While the name has appeared in various spellings over the centuries, families bearing this title established a notable presence in the county of Sussex by the early 19th century. During this period, the region was characterized by a transition toward modern agricultural practices and small-scale trade, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. By 1831, records indicate that members of the Ottaway family were active participants in the local community life of Sussex. These early ancestors were part of the backbone of English village society, often working in skilled trades or farming, which allowed the name to become firmly embedded in the local history of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 pile az. charged with a naval crown or, a chev. counterchanged ar. and sa”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Ottaway arms are recorded
The Ottaway arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Ottaway arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Ottaway Family in Ireland
The Ottaway family name in Ireland has roots that trace back to the mid-seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political transition, and families like the Ottaways were often part of the growing merchant and professional classes that helped shape the city. While the name itself likely originated from Old English roots, its presence in Ireland suggests that these early settlers were part of the movement of people across the Irish Sea during a time of significant social change. By establishing themselves in the capital, the Ottaways became part of the urban fabric of Dublin, living through the turbulent events of the mid-1600s and contributing to the local community as the city expanded. Their early residency indicates that they were integrated into the administrative and economic life of the region, marking the beginning of the family's long-standing connection to Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ota
Old Germanic element meaning wealth, fortune, or prosperity.
This name
OttawayDerived from the Old English personal name Otta combined with the suffix for a dweller by a path or way.
also spelled
Otwai
Otwaye
Otwaya
Ottwaye
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
The National Archives, Census Returns for England and Wales, 1841, HO 107
Sussex Family History Group, Sussex Parish Registers, 1831
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
