Map of England showing where the Steil arms are recorded
The Steil 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 Steil 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 Steil Family in England
The surname Steil has deep roots that connect to the linguistic evolution of Northern Europe. The name is widely considered to be a topographical or descriptive surname, likely derived from the Middle Low German word *steil*, which means steep or precipitous. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name may have lived near a prominent cliff, a sharp hill, or a steep riverbank. By the early 17th century, members of the Steil family were well-established in the city of York, England. Their presence in this historic northern hub indicates that the family had integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes during a period of significant urban growth. As they settled in York, the family name became a permanent part of the regional identity, reflecting the movement of people and language across the North Sea during the late medieval and early modern eras.
Steil Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Stile
A step or set of steps for passing over a fence.
This name
SteilA topographic name for someone who lived near a stile or a path.
also spelled
Stiele
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, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
