Map of England showing where the Rock arms are recorded
The Rock arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Rock 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 Rock Family in England
The surname Rock emerged in England as a topographical name, which was a common way to identify people based on the landscape where they lived. Families who took this name likely resided near a prominent stone formation, a rocky outcrop, or a cliffside that served as a local landmark. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in urban centers, and records confirm that members of the Rock family were living in London by 1620. During this period, London was a rapidly expanding hub of trade and migration, drawing families from the countryside into the heart of the city. These early residents were part of a growing class of citizens who helped shape the social and economic life of the capital during the reign of King James I. Their presence in the city archives during this time suggests that the family had successfully integrated into the professional and civic structures of English society.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, two lions pass. in pale sa. on a canton of the second a chessrook ar”
DublinAthlone Pursuivant · Dublin, c. 1820
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Rock arms are recorded
The Rock arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1820.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1801–1820
Reigning in England when the Rock 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Rock Family in Ireland
The surname Rock has a deep history in Ireland, where it often served as an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó Raghallaigh or was adopted by families living near prominent stone landmarks. By the early 19th century, records confirm that members of the Rock family were firmly established in Dublin. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and industry, and families like the Rocks were often involved in the city’s growing urban economy. Many individuals bearing this name worked as skilled tradespeople or laborers, contributing to the expansion of the city as it transitioned into the modern era. While the name is found in various parts of the country, the presence of the Rock family in Dublin by 1820 highlights their integration into the social and professional fabric of Ireland’s capital during a time of significant historical change.
Rock Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Roc
Old French word for a rock or a large stone.
This name
RockA topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent rocky outcrop or cliff.
also spelled
Rockkell
Rockland
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
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1586–1611, DL/C/218
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
