Map of England showing where the Sherlock arms are recorded
The Sherlock arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Sherlock 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 Sherlock Family in England
The surname Sherlock originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Old English words "scir," meaning bright or fair, and "locc," meaning lock of hair. This suggests that the name was originally given to someone with light-colored or blonde hair during the Middle Ages. By the time the family was firmly established in London during the early 17th century, the name had become a fixed hereditary surname passed down through generations. Records from 1620 indicate that the family was already part of the growing urban population in the capital, living during a period of significant social and economic change in England. As the family settled into London life, they became part of the city's long history of trade and community development, helping to weave the name into the fabric of English society long before it gained its modern literary fame.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale ar. and az. a fleur-de-lis counterchanged”
WexfordBaldwinstown · Wexford, c. 1306
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Map of Ireland showing where the Sherlock arms are recorded
The Sherlock arms were recorded in Wexford, c. 1306.
Wexford was the corner of Ireland closest to Wales, settled early by Norman families. They held their land under arms and kept it for generations, which is why so many Wexford names carry recorded shields.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in England when the Sherlock 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 Wexford.
Origin & History of the Sherlock Family in Ireland
The Sherlock family name has deep roots in Ireland, particularly within County Wexford, where records confirm their presence as early as 1306. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English word "scir," meaning bright or fair, and was likely a descriptive nickname for a person with light-colored hair. Following the arrival of Anglo-Norman settlers in the late 12th century, the Sherlocks established themselves as significant landowners in the southeast of the country. Over the following centuries, they became deeply integrated into the local society of Wexford and neighboring areas. They functioned as part of the colonial administration and held various roles in local government, which allowed them to maintain their influence for generations. By settling in this region, the family became a permanent part of the social and political landscape of medieval Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Scir-loc
Old English words for bright or sheer and lock of hair.
This name
SherlockA descriptive nickname for a person with fair or bright-colored hair.
also spelled
Shirlock
Sherlok
Related arms
Butlerrecorded with Sherlock, same area
Keatingrecorded with Sherlock, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
The National Archives, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384–1858
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
