Map of England showing where the Shears arms are recorded
The Shears 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 Shears 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 Shears Family in England
The surname Shears is rooted in the occupational traditions of medieval England, where it likely served as a descriptive name for a person who worked with shears or scissors. This often referred to a cloth shearer, a skilled worker who trimmed the nap of finished wool fabric to create a smooth surface. By the early 17th century, the family had established a presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Shears family were living in this northern hub during a time when York was a vital center for trade and craftsmanship. As families in this era were often defined by their specific trade, the name suggests a long-standing connection to the textile industry that fueled the local economy. Over time, the name evolved from a simple job description into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Scieran
An Old English verb meaning to cut or divide.
This name
ShearsAn occupational name for a person who worked as a tailor or shearer of cloth.
also spelled
Sheeres
Sheers
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
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