Map of England showing where the Prentice arms are recorded
The Prentice 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 Prentice 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 Prentice Family in England
The surname Prentice originated in medieval England as an occupational name derived from the word apprentice. During the Middle Ages, a young person would enter into a formal agreement to learn a trade from a master craftsman, and this individual was known as a prentice. Over time, this title became a permanent family name used to identify those who had completed their training or served in such roles. By the year 1620, records show that members of the Prentice family were well-established in the city of York. These early residents were likely part of the growing urban merchant and artisan class that defined the economic life of northern England during the seventeenth century. As the family grew, they moved through various trades and professions, helping to shape the local history of the region while maintaining the identity passed down from their working ancestors.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
apprendre
Old French verb meaning to learn or to teach.
This name
PrenticeAn occupational surname for a person learning a trade under a master.
also spelled
Prentis
Prentys
Related arms
Prentissevariant spelling
Prentysvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
