Map of England showing where the Over arms are recorded
The Over 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 Over 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 Over Family in England
The surname Over is a locative name, which means it was originally used to describe where a person lived. In Old English, the word "ofer" meant a riverbank, a ridge, or a slope. People who lived near a prominent hill or along the edge of a river were often referred to by this name to distinguish them from others in their community. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Over family were established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religion in Northern England. Families living there often worked as skilled craftspeople or merchants. Because the name is tied to the physical landscape, it likely emerged independently in several different parts of England where the geography matched this description. Over time, the name became a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations of those living in the shadow of the great northern ridges.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ofer
Old English word meaning a bank, shore, or edge.
This name
OverA topographic name for someone who lived near a riverbank or the edge of a settlement.
also spelled
Ovar
Ovre
Oaver
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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
