Map of England showing where the Samuel arms are recorded
The Samuel 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 Samuel 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 Samuel Family in England
The surname Samuel originates from the ancient Hebrew name Shmuel, which translates to "God has heard." While the name began as a personal given name, it eventually transitioned into a hereditary surname during the Middle Ages as populations grew and people needed ways to distinguish one another. By the time members of the family were recorded in York in 1620, the name had already been established in England for several centuries. Families bearing this name often lived in urban centers where trade and commerce allowed for social mobility. In the early seventeenth century, the presence of the Samuel family in a major historical hub like York suggests they were likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes of the region. As the name spread through parish records and legal documents during this era, it became a fixed identifier that linked generations of the family to their specific local communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Shemu'el
Hebrew origin meaning name of God or God has heard.
This name
SamuelDerived from a biblical Hebrew name signifying that God has heard the prayers.
also spelled
Samwell
Related arms
Samwellvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
