A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Seim family of England.
Reg. 1020 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. betw. two mullets pierced or, and a halbert in base of the last, a boar's head erased betw. two hands issuing from the dexter and sinister sides of the shield, each holding a dagger ppr”
SurreyCoombe Wood · Surrey, c. 1858
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Map of England showing where the Seim arms are recorded
The Seim arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1858.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in England when the Seim 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Seim Family in England
The surname Seim has roots that trace back to Northern Europe, where it functioned as a topographic name for people living near a specific landmark or a shortened form of personal names common in Germanic regions. By the mid-19th century, members of the family had established a presence in Surrey, England. This period was marked by significant social change as the Industrial Revolution drew people toward urban centers and growing counties like Surrey. Families with this name often worked in skilled trades or agricultural roles, contributing to the local economy during a time of rapid expansion. As they settled into their new communities, the family name became part of the local history of the region, reflecting the broader patterns of movement and settlement that defined Victorian England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sigmund
Derived from Germanic elements meaning victory and protector.
This name
SeimA locational or patronymic surname originating from Old Norse or Germanic personal names.
also spelled
Sym
Syme
Symes
Syms
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
The National Archives, Census Returns of England and Wales, 1861, HO 107/RG 9
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
