Map of England showing where the Pelton arms are recorded
The Pelton 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 Pelton 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 Pelton Family in England
The surname Pelton is a locational name, which means it likely originated from a specific place in England before becoming a hereditary family name. Historical records confirm that members of the Pelton family were established in the city of York by the year 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with families living near small settlements or clearings, as the prefix "pel" or "pelt" sometimes referred to areas of land or specific types of vegetation. As the family grew, individuals moved from these original settlements into larger urban centers like York to pursue trade and new opportunities. By the early 17th century, the Peltons were integrated into the local economy of northern England, where they lived as common citizens during a time of significant social and political change.
Pelton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Pell-tun
Old English elements meaning pool or skin and an enclosed settlement.
This name
PeltonRefers to a person who lived near a pool or a fenced farmstead.
also spelled
Peltonne
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
