Map of England showing where the Salt arms are recorded
The Salt 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 Salt 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 Salt Family in England
The surname Salt is primarily classified as a locative or occupational name, tracing its roots to the historical importance of salt production in England. During the medieval period, individuals often adopted the name because they lived near salt springs or worked in the essential salt trade, which was a vital industry for food preservation. By the time members of the family were documented in London in 1620, the name had already been established in various English counties for several centuries. These early London residents likely arrived as part of the growing migration toward the capital, seeking new economic opportunities in trade and commerce. As the family settled into urban life, they contributed to the diverse social fabric of the city during a time of significant expansion and change in seventeenth-century England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sealt
Old English term for the mineral salt.
This name
SaltAn occupational name for a salt merchant or someone who lived near salt works.
also spelled
Sault
Related arms
Saultvariant spelling
Cheneyrecorded with Salt, same area
Morreyrecorded with Salt, same area
Stockleyrecorded with Salt, same area
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, State Papers Domestic, James I, 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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
