Map of England showing where the Peiris arms are recorded
The Peiris 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 Peiris 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 Peiris Family in England
The family name Peiris has deep roots that connect to the movement of people across Europe and beyond. While the name is often associated with later colonial history in South Asia, records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, York was a significant hub for trade and religious life, and families with this surname were likely integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself is thought to be a variation of Peter, which was a common given name that evolved into a hereditary surname as record-keeping became more formal in England. By living in York during the early seventeenth century, these ancestors were part of a society that was rapidly changing due to new economic opportunities and the growth of urban centers. Their presence in such a historic city suggests that the family was well-settled and active in the local community long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Petrus
Latin word meaning stone or rock.
This name
PeirisA patronymic surname derived from the personal name Peter, signifying son of Peter.
also spelled
Peires
Peirce
Peyrse
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, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Records: Parish Registers of York, 1620
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pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
