A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Sheffield family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6035 · Britain, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au chev. de gu., acc. de trois gerbes du même; à la bord. comp. de gu. et d'azur. C.: une hure et col de sanglier d'or. D.: COMITER SED FORTITER.”
LincolnshireLincolnshire, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Sheffield arms are recorded
The Sheffield arms were recorded in Lincolnshire, c. 1700.
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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Sheffield arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Lincolnshire.
Origin & History of the Sheffield Family in Britain
The name Sheffield is a locational surname, which means it originated from people who lived in or near a specific place. In Britain, the name is most famously linked to the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, where the River Sheaf meets the River Don. During the medieval period, individuals who moved away from this area often adopted the name to identify their place of origin to others. By the early 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Lincolnshire. This migration was common as families sought new opportunities in agriculture and trade across the English countryside. The name reflects a deep connection to the geography of Northern England, serving as a permanent link to the landscape where the family’s ancestors first settled and built their lives.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a fess betw. six garbs gu”
YorkBolterstone · York, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Sheffield arms are recorded
The Sheffield arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Britain when the Sheffield 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 York.
Origin & History of the Sheffield Family in England
The family name Sheffield is a locational surname that originated from the town of Sheffield in South Yorkshire. In medieval England, people often adopted the names of the places where they lived or worked to distinguish themselves from others in their community. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Sheffield family were active participants in the social and economic life of this historic northern hub. During this era, York served as a vital center for trade and administration, providing families with opportunities to integrate into the growing urban middle class. As the name spread beyond its original geographic roots, it became a marker of a family line that had successfully transitioned from rural origins to the bustling environment of one of England’s most significant ancient cities.
Sheffield Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
scēth + feld
Old English for boundary or division and an open field.
This name
SheffieldRefers to a clearing or open land located near a boundary or river division.
also spelled
Shefielde
Shefield
Shefeeld
Sheffeld
Sheffelde
Related arms
Viellsimilar arms
Walkersimilar arms
Cheffieldvariant spelling
Schefieldvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Lincolnshire Archives, Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1700
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
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
