Map of England showing where the Peasant arms are recorded
The Peasant arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Peasant 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Peasant Family in England
The surname Peasant emerged in England as a descriptive occupational name, likely used to identify individuals who worked the land or lived as small-scale farmers during the medieval period. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Middlesex, which served as a crucial hub for trade and administration near London. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region during a time of significant social and economic transition in England. As the population moved toward urban centers, families like the Peasants often adapted their livelihoods to fit the changing demands of the local economy. Their presence in Middlesex suggests they were part of the hardworking class that helped sustain the rural and suburban communities surrounding the capital city during the reign of King James I.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per fess or and az. a fess point in point of the second and first”
DublinBaggott Rath · Dublin, c. 1622
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Map of Ireland showing where the Peasant arms are recorded
The Peasant arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1622.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Peasant 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Peasant Family in Ireland
The surname Peasant is a rare name that first appears in Irish historical records during the early seventeenth century. By 1622, members of the family were documented as residents of Dublin, suggesting they were part of the urban population during a period of significant social and political change in Ireland. While the name itself implies a humble origin related to agricultural labor, the presence of the family in the capital city indicates that they were likely integrated into the trade or administrative life of the city rather than working as rural farmers. Over the following decades, the family remained a small but distinct presence within the city, navigating the complex legal and social structures of seventeenth-century Dublin. Their early history reflects the broader movement of families into Irish urban centers during this era, where they sought new opportunities and established roots in the developing economy of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
pagensis
Latin term referring to someone from a district or country
This name
PeasantAn occupational or status-based name for a rural agricultural worker or small-scale farmer
also spelled
Phesaunt
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers: Middlesex, 1620
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
