Map of England showing where the Sherrill arms are recorded
The Sherrill 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 Sherrill 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 Sherrill Family in England
The Sherrill family name has deep roots in the northern regions of England, with historical records placing members of the family in the city of York as early as 1620. The name is believed to be locational in origin, likely derived from a specific place name or a descriptive term for someone living near a steep or narrow valley. During the early seventeenth century, families like the Sherrills were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that helped define the social fabric of historic English cities. As the century progressed, some members of the family sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, eventually establishing a presence in the American colonies. This transition from English urban centers to the frontier of the New World reflects the broader patterns of migration that shaped the history of many families during the colonial era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Scir-hyll
Old English words for bright or clear and a hill.
This name
SherrillA topographic name for someone who lived near a bright or clear hill.
also spelled
Serrellis
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
helmetWisdom and security in defence
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
helmetWisdom and security in defence
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
