A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ricketts family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7642 · Britain, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. d'azur, acc. de trois roses de gu., le chev. ch. de deux épées d'arg., garnies d'or, les pointes se croisant dans une couronne de laurier d'or; au chef d'azur, ch. d'une couronne navale d'or, entre deux ancres du même. Cq. timbré d'une couronne navale d'or. C.: un bras, paré d'azur, le revers ch. de deux roses d'arg., la main de carn. brandissant un badelaire d'arg.; le bras br. sur une ancre de sa., posée en pal. D.: PREND MOI TEL QUE JE SUIS.”
Britainc. 1827
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Map of Britain showing where the Ricketts arms are recorded
The Ricketts arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1827.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
George IV of the United Kingdom
Sovereign of the period
George IV of the United Kingdom
1820–1830
Reigning in Britain when the Ricketts arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Ricketts Family in Britain
The surname Ricketts is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person by their father’s given name. It is derived from a diminutive form of the name Richard, specifically "Rick," combined with the suffix "et," which was commonly used in Middle English to denote a smaller version or a term of endearment. While the name appears in various parts of England, historical records confirm the presence of the Ricketts family in the county of Kent by 1827. During this era, families with this name were often involved in local agriculture and trade, reflecting the broader social shifts occurring in southern England during the early nineteenth century. As the Industrial Revolution began to change the landscape of the British countryside, many families like the Ricketts moved between rural villages and growing towns to find new opportunities. This movement helped the name spread from its early regional roots into the wider fabric of British society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. on a chev. engr. betw. three quatrefoils gu. an escallop of the field betw. two scymitars chevronwise ppr”
BuckinghamDorton House · Buckingham, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Ricketts arms are recorded
The Ricketts arms were recorded in Buckingham, c. 1620.
Buckinghamshire was quiet farming country on the road out of London. Court officials and lawyers bought manors there within easy reach of the capital, and a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Britain when the Ricketts 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 Buckingham.
Origin & History of the Ricketts Family in England
The surname Ricketts emerged in England during the Middle Ages as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Old French word "ric," meaning powerful or rich. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Buckinghamshire. Historical records confirm that members of the Ricketts family were living in the town of Buckingham by 1620, where they participated in the local social and economic life of the period. During this era, families often settled in specific market towns to engage in trade or agriculture, which helped the Ricketts name become firmly rooted in the regional identity of the English Midlands. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Buckingham, contributing to the community through their work and daily interactions within the parish.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ricard
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning power and brave ruler.
This name
RickettsA diminutive or patronymic form derived from the personal name Richard.
also spelled
Ricket
Ricketes
Ricketson
Related arms
Aubreyrecorded with Ricketts, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841, HO 107
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, P200/1/A1
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
swordJustice, and military honour
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
