Map of England showing where the Sellars arms are recorded
The Sellars 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 Sellars 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 Sellars Family in England
The surname Sellars is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, evolving from the Middle English word "sellar" or "seller." This term was used to describe someone who worked as a saddler or a maker of harnesses and leather goods for horses. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Sellars family were active participants in the local community during this period. As the city served as a major hub for trade and craftsmanship, it is likely that these early ancestors practiced their traditional leatherworking trades to support the bustling economy of Northern England. Over time, the spelling of the name shifted from its descriptive roots into the modern form used today, reflecting the linguistic changes common in English surnames throughout the centuries.
Sellars Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Sellar
An occupational term for a person who manages a cellar or storeroom.
This name
SellarsA patronymic or occupational surname denoting the son of a cellarer or storekeeper.
also spelled
Sellar
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
