Map of England showing where the Shaheen arms are recorded
The Shaheen arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Shaheen 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Shaheen Family in England
The history of the Shaheen name in England begins with the arrival of early family members in the county of Essex by 1620. During this period, England was a hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange, which often brought individuals from the Levant and the broader Middle East to British shores. Settling in Essex, a region known for its proximity to London and its bustling port towns, these early settlers integrated into the local community while maintaining their distinct heritage. The name itself is derived from the Persian word for a royal white falcon, a term that carries connotations of nobility and keen vision. As these ancestors established their roots in the English countryside, they navigated the social and economic landscapes of the seventeenth century, leaving behind a legacy that bridges the gap between Eastern origins and English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert a lion ramp. or, armed and langued gu”
WestmeathBishopstown · Westmeath, c. 1614
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Shaheen arms are recorded
The Shaheen arms were recorded in Westmeath, c. 1614.
Westmeath was midland grazing country in Ireland, taken by Norman families and held for centuries. Its estates were large and passed down whole, and unbroken tenure brought arms with it.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Shaheen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Westmeath.
Origin & History of the Shaheen Family in Ireland
The history of the Shaheen family in Ireland is rooted in the midlands, specifically within County Westmeath, where records confirm their presence as early as 1614. During this period, the region was undergoing significant social and political transition as the English administration sought to solidify control over local landholdings. Families like the Shaheens often navigated these changes by maintaining strong ties to their local communities and agricultural lands. While the name is frequently associated with Middle Eastern origins, its early appearance in Irish records suggests a long history of integration into the local landscape. These early settlers in Westmeath likely lived as tenant farmers or minor landowners who contributed to the rural economy of the seventeenth century. By establishing themselves in the heart of Ireland, the family became part of the complex social fabric that defined the province of Leinster during a time of great upheaval.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Shahin
A Persian word referring to a royal white falcon.
This name
ShaheenDerived from the Persian word for falcon, often used as a name for a person with keen vision or noble character.
also spelled
Shane
Shayne
Shean
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers and Quarter Sessions Records
Matar, Nabil, Britain and the Islamic World, 1558-1713, 1998
Phelps, Christopher, The Early Modern English Diaspora, 2012
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ermineDignity and rank
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ermineDignity and rank
lionCourage, strength and royalty
