Map of England showing where the Piety arms are recorded
The Piety arms were recorded in London, c. 1611.
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 Piety 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 Piety Family in England
The surname Piety is a descriptive name that likely originated as a nickname for someone who displayed great religious devotion or lived a life of quiet holiness. By the year 1611, records confirm that members of the Piety family were well-established in London, a city that was then a bustling center of trade and social change. During this era, families often settled in specific parishes where they became part of the local community through their trades and church involvement. Because the name is rooted in a virtue rather than a specific location or occupation, it suggests that the earliest ancestors were recognized by their neighbors for their moral character. As these individuals lived and worked in the heart of England, they helped shape the early history of the name by passing it down through generations in the capital city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pietas
Latin term for duty, religious devotion, or dutiful conduct.
This name
PietyA descriptive surname for a person characterized by religious devotion or moral righteousness.
also spelled
Pyett
Pyet
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1611
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
