Map of England showing where the Raikes arms are recorded
The Raikes arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Raikes 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 York.
Origin & History of the Raikes Family in England
The Raikes family name is deeply rooted in the northern regions of England, with historical evidence placing the family in the city of York by the early seventeenth century. The name is generally considered to be topographical in origin, likely derived from the Old Norse word "rák," which refers to a narrow path, a strip of land, or a boundary line. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name were people who lived near a distinctive landmark or a specific stretch of pasture. By 1620, the family was well-established in the social and economic life of York, where they were often involved in the city’s prominent merchant guilds. Over the following generations, members of the family became influential figures in local governance and trade, helping to shape the civic identity of Yorkshire as they expanded their reach across northern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a chev. engr. pean betw. three griffins' heads erased sa. beaked ppr. the neck of each charged with an erm. spot ar”
BreconTreberfydd · Brecon, c. 1647
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 Wales showing where the Raikes arms are recorded
The Raikes arms were recorded in Brecon, c. 1647.
Brecon was mid-Welsh hill country, held in small estates by families who stayed for generations. Land was worth less than in the lowlands, but holding it still brought 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Raikes arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Brecon.
Origin & History of the Raikes Family in Wales
The history of the Raikes family in Wales is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Brecon, where records confirm their presence by the year 1647. During this period, the family established themselves within the local community, likely participating in the agricultural and social life of the Welsh Marches. The name itself is thought to derive from the Old Norse word "rák," which refers to a narrow path or a strip of land, suggesting that the earliest ancestors may have been settlers who identified their homes by these distinct geographical features. As they integrated into the Welsh social fabric, the Raikes family became part of the regional history that defined Brecon during the seventeenth century. Their survival and growth in this area reflect the broader patterns of migration and family development that shaped rural Wales before the industrial era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
raik
A narrow path, track, or stretch of pasture land.
This name
RaikesA topographic name for someone who lived near a narrow path or grazing track.
also spelled
Raickes
Raykes
Related arms
Berthonrecorded with Raikes, same area
Fitzwygramrecorded with Raikes, same area
Moneyrecorded with Raikes, same area
Monoxrecorded with Raikes, 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 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
