Map of England showing where the Ralph arms are recorded
The Ralph 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 Ralph 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 Ralph Family in England
The name Ralph originates from the Old Norse name Radulf, which combines the words for counsel and wolf. This name became popular in England following the Norman Conquest, as it was frequently used by the ruling class and eventually spread to the general population. By the early seventeenth century, the name had become a well-established surname in the northern regions of England. Records confirm that members of the Ralph family were living in York by 1620, a time when the city served as a major political and religious center. Families in this area often worked in trade or agriculture, and their presence in such a prominent city suggests they were integrated into the local community during a period of significant social change. Over time, the name evolved from a personal identifier into a permanent family name passed down through generations.
Ralph Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Radulf
Derived from Old Germanic elements meaning counsel and wolf.
This name
RalphA name signifying a wolf who provides wise counsel or advice.
also spelled
Radulph
Ralf
Raulf
Related arms
Relfsimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
