A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Staples family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 8772 · Britain, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à la fasce d'herm., ch. de deux têtes de bouc d'arg. et acc. de trois tourt. d'azur. C.: un More iss., tenant entre ses mains un bâton d'or en fasce, devant son corps. D.: TENEO.”
Britainc. 1628
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Map of Britain showing where the Staples arms are recorded
The Staples arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1628.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Staples arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Staples Family in Britain
The surname Staples originated in medieval England as a name for people who lived near a marketplace or a town known for its trade. During the Middle Ages, the term staple referred to a designated place where merchants were required to bring specific goods, such as wool or leather, to be taxed and sold. Families who settled in these commercial hubs often adopted the name to identify their connection to the local trade center. By the early 17th century, the name was firmly established in the county of Kent, where records confirm family members were living by 1628. These early ancestors were likely part of the local agricultural or merchant classes that helped define the economic landscape of southeastern England during the transition into the Stuart period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Ar. a chev. erm. betw. three staples sa”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Staples arms are recorded
The Staples arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Staples arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Staples Family in Ireland
The history of the Staples family in Ireland is firmly rooted in the mid-seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the name was associated with settlers who arrived during a time of significant political and social upheaval. These early family members were often involved in the administrative and commercial life of the city as it transitioned through the turbulent years of the Irish Confederate Wars. Over the following decades, the family established a presence that extended beyond the capital, eventually becoming landowners in the midlands, particularly in County Laois. Their integration into Irish society was marked by their participation in local governance and the development of estates, which allowed the name to become a stable part of the regional landscape throughout the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, erm. on a bend az. betw. two fleurs-de-lis gu. three leopards' faces jessant-de-lis or, for STAPLES; 2nd and 3rd, sa. a bend engr. erm. on a chief ar. an escallop gu. betw. two torteaux, for BROWNE”
SurreyNorwood · Surrey, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Staples arms are recorded
The Staples arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Staples 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 Staples Family in England
The surname Staples is a topographical name that originated in medieval England to describe someone who lived near a marketplace or a trading post. The word itself comes from the Old English term stapol, which referred to a post or a pillar used to mark a designated area for merchants to sell their goods. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Surrey. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Staples family were living in this region, likely involved in the local agricultural or mercantile life that defined the area at the time. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of southern England, transitioning from their roots in local trade to becoming settled members of the rural community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
stapel
A post, pillar, or a designated place for trade and storage.
This name
StaplesA topographic name for someone who lived near a market post or a merchant trading center.
also spelled
Stapells
Stapyls
Related arms
Stapillesvariant spelling
Hamptonrecorded with Staples, same area
Sheerecorded with Staples, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1628
Kent History and Library Centre, Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury: Probate Records, 1628
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