Map of England showing where the Ringe arms are recorded
The Ringe 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 Ringe 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 Ringe Family in England
The surname Ringe is rooted in the linguistic traditions of Northern Europe, likely originating as a descriptive name for someone who lived near a circular landmark or a ring-shaped enclosure. 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 Ringe family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region during a period of significant transition in English history. As York served as a major hub for trade and administration, families like the Ringes often held roles that connected them to the local merchant classes or the governance of the city. Their early documented presence in such a prominent urban center suggests that the family was well-integrated into the fabric of Northern English society long before the waves of migration that would eventually carry the name to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hring
Old Norse and Old English term for a circular band or ring.
This name
RingeA topographic name for someone who lived near a circular enclosure or a ring-shaped landmark.
also spelled
Ryng
Rynge
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
