Map of England showing where the Steel arms are recorded
The Steel arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Steel 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Steel Family in England
The surname Steel is a classic example of an occupational name, originating from the Middle Ages when people were often identified by the work they performed or the materials they handled. In England, the name likely referred to someone who worked as a blacksmith or a metalworker, specifically someone skilled in the production or tempering of steel. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern county of Cumberland. This region was historically rugged and defined by its proximity to the border with Scotland, making it a place where skilled metalworkers were essential for maintaining tools and weaponry. Records confirm that members of the Steel family were living in this area by 1620, where they were deeply integrated into the local agricultural and trade communities of the English North Country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. three furisons or”
Scotlandc. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Scotland showing where the Steel arms are recorded
The Steel arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Steel arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Steel Family in Scotland
The surname Steel is a descriptive name that likely originated from a person’s physical strength or their skill as a metalworker. In Scotland, the name has deep roots that connect to the industrial and social growth of the nation. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family was well-established in Edinburgh, a city that served as a hub for trade and intellectual life during the Scottish Enlightenment. Records from 1748 show that members of the Steel family were active participants in the urban development of the capital. During this period, the name was associated with families who contributed to the local economy and the evolving professional landscape of the city. As Edinburgh expanded beyond its medieval walls, the Steel family became part of the growing middle class that helped shape the modern identity of Scotland.
Steel Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
stiele
Old English word for steel or a hard, unyielding substance.
This name
SteelAn occupational name for a steelworker or a nickname for a strong, resilient person.
also spelled
Stele
Stiele
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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Archive Centre, Parish Registers of Cumberland, 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
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
