Map of England showing where the Peak arms are recorded
The Peak 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 Peak 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 Peak Family in England
The surname Peak is classified as a topographical name, which means it was originally given to people who lived near a prominent natural feature. In Middle English, the word "peke" referred to a pointed hill or a mountain peak. Families who adopted this name likely resided near such a landmark, identifying themselves by their specific geography. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in Northern England. Historical records confirm that members of the Peak family were present in the city of York by 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religion, and families often held roles in local commerce or craft guilds. As these individuals moved through the region, they carried the name forward, linking their identity to the rugged landscape of the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pec
Old English term referring to a pointed hill or mountain peak.
This name
PeakA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent hill or mountain summit.
also spelled
Peke
Peeke
Related arms
Bowyersimilar arms
Pekevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
