Map of England showing where the Raines arms are recorded
The Raines 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 Raines 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 Raines Family in England
The surname Raines is rooted in the Old French and Middle English traditions, likely originating as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a boundary or a specific geographic feature. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Raines family were active participants in the civic and social life of this region during a time of significant transition in English history. As residents of a major northern trade hub, these early ancestors were likely involved in the local mercantile or craft guilds that defined the economy of York. This period marked a time when many families began to solidify their presence in specific parishes, leaving behind administrative footprints in local church registers and legal documents that allow us to trace their long-standing connection to the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ragin
A Germanic element meaning counsel or advice.
This name
RainesDerived from a nickname for a counselor or one who gives wise advice.
also spelled
Raynes
Rainis
Related arms
Raynesvariant spelling
Reynesvariant spelling
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Registers of York, 1620
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
