A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Shima family of England.
Reg. 6863 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. betw. two mullets pierced or, and a halbert in base of the last, a boar's head erased betw. two hands issuing from the dexter and sinister sides of the shield, each holding a dagger ppr”
SurreyCoombe Wood · Surrey, c. 1858
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Map of England showing where the Shima arms are recorded
The Shima arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1858.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in England when the Shima 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Shima Family in England
The surname Shima is most commonly associated with Japanese origins, where it translates to "island" and often refers to people living on or near coastal regions. However, the presence of the Shima family in Surrey by 1858 suggests a unique historical path involving migration and cultural adaptation during the nineteenth century. During this era, Britain saw an increase in international travelers, diplomats, and merchants arriving from East Asia as trade routes expanded. Families bearing this name who settled in English counties like Surrey likely integrated into local communities while maintaining their distinct heritage. By the mid-1800s, these individuals were often part of the growing global network of professionals who helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western societies. Their early life in Surrey reflects a period of significant movement, where families moved across continents to establish new roots in rapidly industrializing regions of England.
Shima Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Scir
Old English term meaning bright, clear, or shining.
This name
ShimaA topographical name for someone who lived near a bright or clear stream.
also spelled
Sym
Syme
Symes
Syms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives, Kew, "Naturalisation Certificates and Declarations, 1844-1858" (HO 1/62)
Surrey History Centre, "Surrey Electoral Registers, 1858."
Satow, Ernest, A Diplomat in Japan, 1921
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
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
axeThe execution of military duty
handFaith, sincerity and justice
