Map of England showing where the Siever arms are recorded
The Siever arms were recorded in Merton College, c. 1574.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Siever 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 Siever Family in England
The surname Siever is rooted in the linguistic traditions of Northern Europe, where it likely originated as a descriptive name for a craftsman or a person with specific regional ties. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a documented presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Siever family were active residents there as early as 1574. During this period, York served as a major center for trade and religious administration in England. Families living in the city at this time often participated in the local guild systems or contributed to the bustling urban economy. The survival of these early records suggests that the Sievers were integrated into the social fabric of the city during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Their presence in such a significant historical hub indicates that they were likely involved in the professional or merchant classes that defined York’s growth during the Renaissance.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sieve
A utensil with a meshed bottom used for sifting or straining.
This name
SieverAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of sieves or a sifter of grain.
also spelled
Sevar
Sevir
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Collins, Francis, Register of the Freemen of the City of York, 1897
York City Archives, House Books of the City of York
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
