Map of England showing where the Sharpe arms are recorded
The Sharpe arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1619.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Sharpe 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Sharpe Family in England
The surname Sharpe originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely given to someone who was known for being quick-witted, clever, or sharp-tongued. During the Middle Ages, surnames were often adopted based on a person’s personality or physical traits rather than their occupation or location. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern county of Cumberland. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the Sharpe family were settled in this rugged region, which was historically defined by its proximity to the Scottish border. Living in such a volatile area often required the family to be resilient and adaptable. Over time, these early settlers helped shape the local community through their involvement in regional agriculture and trade. The name remains a testament to the sharp intellect and enduring spirit of those early ancestors who built their lives in the north of England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ravenConstancy and divine providence
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. three rooks' heads erased sa. a border az. bezantée”
Irelandc. 1645
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 Sharpe arms are recorded
The Sharpe arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Sharpe 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Sharpe Family in Ireland
The surname Sharpe arrived in Ireland as part of the broader migration patterns during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as a central hub for new settlers during a period of significant political and social transition. The name itself is descriptive in origin, likely used as a nickname for someone perceived as quick-witted, sharp-tongued, or physically agile. As these early family members integrated into the urban life of Dublin, they participated in the growing commercial and administrative activities of the capital. Over the following decades, the family expanded beyond the city, embedding themselves into the local economy and social structure of the region. This transition from recent arrivals to residents helped the name become a permanent fixture in the historical landscape of eastern Ireland.
Sharpe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
scearp
Old English word meaning sharp, acute, or keen.
This name
SharpeA nickname for a person who was quick-witted, intelligent, or physically agile.
also spelled
Sharpp
Related arms
Shairpvariant spelling
Mosleyrecorded with Sharpe, same area
Nevillrecorded with Sharpe, same area
Prestonrecorded with Sharpe, same area
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
bordureA difference between branches of one family
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bordureA difference between branches of one family
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
ravenConstancy and divine providence
