Map of England showing where the Snell arms are recorded
The Snell arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with a coat of 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 Snell 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Snell Family in England
The surname Snell is rooted in Old English and Middle English, originating as a descriptive nickname for a person who was quick, nimble, or sharp-witted. The word itself comes from the Old English term *snell*, which meant bold or active. By the time the name began to appear in official records, it was common for people to be identified by these personal traits. Historical documentation confirms that members of the Snell family were well-established in the county of Berkshire by 1620. During this period, families in the region were often tied to the land through farming or local trade. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the area, contributing to the local economy and community life in southern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
snell
Old English adjective meaning quick, active, or bold.
This name
SnellA nickname for a person who was notably agile, swift, or clever.
also spelled
Snelley
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1620
Berkshire Record Office, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
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