Map of Netherlands showing where the Pell arms are recorded
The Pell arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry 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.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Pell Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Pell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Pell Family in Netherlands
The history of the Pell family in the Netherlands is deeply rooted in the northern province of Friesland. By the early 19th century, records confirm that members of the family were established residents in this region. During this period, the Netherlands underwent significant changes in how citizens recorded their identities. In 1811, under the rule of Napoleon, the Dutch government mandated that all families adopt permanent surnames to improve tax collection and military conscription. Before this law, many people in rural areas like Friesland used patronymics, which meant a person’s last name changed based on their father’s first name. The Pell family likely solidified their name during this transition to comply with these new civil registration requirements. This shift helped families organize their lineage and property rights more clearly within the Dutch administrative system. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Frisian society, contributing to the agricultural and social life of the northern provinces.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Erm. on a canton az. a pelican or, vulning herself gu”
LincolnDimblesby · Lincoln, c. 1594
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Pell arms are recorded
The Pell arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1594.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Netherlands when the Pell 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Pell Family in England
The surname Pell is rooted in the linguistic landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a descriptive nickname or a shortened form of names like Peter or Pellegrin. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Lincoln, where records confirm their residence by 1594. During this era, families with this name were often integrated into the local mercantile and civic life of the East Midlands. As the name spread across the English countryside, it became associated with families who held land and participated in the local administration of their parishes. The history of the Pell name reflects the broader movement of English families who transitioned from rural roots to becoming established members of provincial society during the Tudor and Stuart periods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pelle
A Germanic diminutive form of the name Peter meaning stone or rock.
This name
PellA patronymic surname derived from the given name Peter, signifying son of the rock.
also spelled
Pelle
Pellee
Pellie
Pel
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Meertens, P.J., De betekenis van de Nederlandse familienamen, 1970
Tresoar (Fries Historisch en Letterkundig Centrum), Burgerlijke Stand van Friesland (1811-1950)
Van Driel, L., Nederlandse achternamen in historisch perspectief, 2005
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
pelicanSelf-sacrifice and devotion to one's children
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
