A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Poe family of England.
Reg. 0344 · English, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a fess betw. three crescents az. issuing flames ppr”
EnglandJames I, c. 1620
Where the Poe Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Poe arms are recorded
The Poe arms were recorded in James I, 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 Poe 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 Poe Family in England
The surname Poe is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Middle English word "po," which referred to a peacock. In medieval times, people were often given names based on their physical appearance or personality traits, and this name may have been linked to someone who was particularly proud or colorful in their manner. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records confirm that members of the Poe family were living in this historic northern English hub by 1620, where they participated in the local social and economic life of the period. These early ancestors were part of a growing urban population that helped shape the character of York during the transition into the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pavo
Latin word for peacock
This name
PoeA nickname for a proud or vain person resembling a peacock
also spelled
Powe
Poeh
Related arms
Powesame arms
Trahernrecorded with Poe, same area
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
