Map of England showing where the Rockwell arms are recorded
The Rockwell 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 Rockwell 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 Rockwell Family in England
The Rockwell family name originates from the Old English language, combining the words "rock" and "well" to describe people who lived near a prominent stone spring or a rocky water source. 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 family were active residents in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. Many individuals bearing the name were skilled tradespeople and farmers who played a quiet but essential role in the local economy of Northern England. As the century progressed, the desire for new opportunities led some of these families to depart from York, eventually carrying their name across the Atlantic to help build the early settlements of the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Roc and Wella
Old English for a rocky outcrop or a spring near rocks.
This name
RockwellDerived from a topographic location referring to a dweller by a rocky spring or stream.
also spelled
Rokewill
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
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain, 1890
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
