Map of England showing where the Simpkins arms are recorded
The Simpkins 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 Simpkins 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 Simpkins Family in England
The surname Simpkins is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Simpkin. The name Simpkin itself was a common medieval diminutive of Simon, a popular name derived from the Hebrew word for listening. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this region during a time of significant social and religious change in England. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of York, likely working in the trades or agricultural roles that defined the economy of northern England during the Stuart period. Over time, the name transitioned from a simple description of lineage into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Simon
Derived from the Hebrew name Shimon meaning he has heard.
This name
SimpkinsA patronymic surname meaning son of little Simon or son of Simpkin.
also spelled
Sympkin
Simpkinson
Sympkinson
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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
