Map of England showing where the Perkins arms are recorded
The Perkins arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with a coat of 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 Perkins 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Perkins Family in England
The surname Perkins originated in medieval England as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the name of a father or ancestor. It is a diminutive form of the name Peter, specifically created by combining the nickname Perk with the suffix -ins, which signifies "little" or "son of." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Berkshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were settled in this region, where they likely worked as farmers or tradespeople within the local village structures. During this period, families often lived in the same area for generations, which helped the name spread throughout the English countryside as a common identifier for those descended from a man named Peter. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in local parish registers, documenting the daily lives and growth of the family as they contributed to the social and economic fabric of early modern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. an eagle displ. sa. membered and beaked gu. on a canton of the second a fess indented or, a crescent for diff”
DonegalDonegal, c. 1646
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 Ireland showing where the Perkins arms are recorded
The Perkins arms were recorded in Donegal, c. 1646.
Donegal was remote north-western Irish country of mountain and coast. Its land was poor and its families few, but those who held ground held it for a very long time.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Perkins 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 Donegal.
Origin & History of the Perkins Family in Ireland
The surname Perkins is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Peter. While the name has deep roots in England, it became established in Ireland during the seventeenth century as part of the broader migrations of that era. By 1646, records confirm that members of the Perkins family were settled in County Donegal. During this period, families often moved to the northern regions of Ireland due to land grants and shifting political policies that encouraged settlement. These early settlers in Donegal lived through a time of great social change, adapting to a new landscape while maintaining their family identity. Over time, the name became integrated into the local community, reflecting the complex history of movement and settlement that shaped the Irish population during the mid-1600s.
Perkins Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Peter
Derived from the Greek word petros meaning a stone or rock.
This name
PerkinsA diminutive form meaning little son of Peter.
also spelled
Perkyns
Perkens
Related arms
Perkensvariant spelling
Ameredithrecorded with Perkins, same area
Burnrecorded with Perkins, same area
Crokerecorded with Perkins, same area
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
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
The National Archives, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
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
ermineDignity and rank
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ermineDignity and rank
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
