Map of England showing where the Slack arms are recorded
The Slack 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 Slack 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 Slack Family in England
The surname Slack is an ancient English name that originated as a descriptive nickname. It is derived from the Old Norse word slakki, which refers to a small, shallow valley or a dip in the ground. People who lived near such a geographical feature often adopted the name to distinguish themselves from others in their community. By the time members of the family were recorded in York in 1620, the name had been established in Northern England for several generations. During this period, families with this name were typically involved in local trade or agriculture, reflecting the common occupations of the era. The name serves as a linguistic link to the Viking influence in Northern England, showing how the landscape shaped the identities of early families long before they settled in historic cities like York.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
slak
Old Norse word meaning a hollow or a small valley.
This name
SlackA topographical name for someone who lived in a small valley or depression.
also spelled
Slake
Slak
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
