Map of England showing where the Ramsdell arms are recorded
The Ramsdell 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 Ramsdell 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 Ramsdell Family in England
The family name Ramsdell is rooted in the landscape of northern England, specifically within the historic county of Yorkshire. The name is topographical in origin, likely derived from Old English terms describing a valley or a dale where wild garlic or ramsons grew. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the region, with records confirming their presence in York by 1620. During this era, York served as a vital administrative and religious hub, and families like the Ramsdells were often engaged in the local trades or agricultural life that defined the Northern English economy. As the century progressed, the social and economic pressures of the time encouraged many families from this region to seek new opportunities abroad, eventually leading to the name’s migration across the Atlantic.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
ramLeadership and authority
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a fess engr. or, below a rose in chief ar. and a ram's head erased in base ppr”
KerryCastle Carra · Kerry, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Ramsdell arms are recorded
The Ramsdell arms were recorded in Kerry, c. 1645.
Kerry was mountain and coast country in the far south-west of Ireland. Its land was poor and held by a few families for a very long time, and long unbroken holding fills a register.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Ramsdell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Kerry.
Origin & History of the Ramsdell Family in Ireland
The Ramsdell family name carries a distinct history rooted in the landscape of County Kerry during the mid-seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in this region, a time when Ireland was undergoing significant political and social upheaval. The name itself is thought to have English origins, likely derived from a place name meaning a valley or a ridge, suggesting that the family may have arrived in Ireland as part of the broader movements of settlers during the seventeenth century. Once in Kerry, the family integrated into the local community, navigating the complex land ownership patterns and shifting loyalties that defined life in the province of Munster. While the name remained relatively rare, its presence in official documents from the 1640s highlights the family's early role in the development of the region during a period of intense historical transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hrafn-dalr
Old Norse for raven valley
This name
RamsdellDerived from a topographic location referring to a valley frequented by ravens.
also spelled
Ramsdon
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
Smith, Albert Hugh, The Place-Names of the West Riding of Yorkshire, 1961
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
ramLeadership and authority
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
ramLeadership and authority
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
