Map of England showing where the Rathbone arms are recorded
The Rathbone 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 Rathbone 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 Rathbone Family in England
The surname Rathbone is of English origin and likely describes a person’s physical appearance or character. Etymologists believe the name comes from the Middle English words "rath," meaning quick or early, and "bone," which could refer to a person's physical frame or stature. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Rathbone family were established in the historic city of York. During this period, the family was part of the growing merchant and trade classes that defined the city’s economy. As they settled in Northern England, they became integrated into the local parish systems, which helped preserve their name in official registers for generations. Their presence in York suggests that the family played a role in the urban life of the seventeenth century, contributing to the local community as tradespeople or craftsmen.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
raed-ban
Old English words for counsel or advice and bone.
This name
RathboneA nickname for a person who was considered a wise or sagacious counselor.
also spelled
Rathborne
Rathbun
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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