Map of England showing where the Parikh arms are recorded
The Parikh 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 Parikh 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 Parikh Family in England
The surname Parikh originates from the Indian subcontinent, where it historically functioned as a title rather than a traditional family name. In the Gujarati language, the word is derived from the Sanskrit term *parīkṣaka*, which refers to an examiner, an assayer of precious metals, or a person skilled in judging the quality of gems. Because of this professional association, the name was traditionally held by families involved in banking, trade, and the careful appraisal of currency. By the early 17th century, the global movement of merchants and traders facilitated the presence of individuals from these professional backgrounds in diverse locations, including the city of York by 1620. As these families settled in new regions, the title transitioned into a hereditary surname, serving as a lasting link to their ancestors’ roles as trusted financial experts and evaluators in their original communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pariksha
Sanskrit term referring to examination, test, or inspection.
This name
ParikhDerived from a title for a royal accountant or examiner of coins.
also spelled
Parysh
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Turner, R. L., A Comparative Dictionary of the Indo-Aryan Languages, 1966
Bhayani, H. C., Gujarati Surnames: A Study, 1988
The National Archives (UK), State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
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unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
