Map of England showing where the Stelling arms are recorded
The Stelling 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 Stelling 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 Stelling Family in England
The surname Stelling is rooted in the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a locative or occupational name during the medieval period. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 indicate that members of the Stelling family were active participants in the civic and social life of this major northern hub. The name itself likely derives from the Old English word "steall," which referred to a place for cattle or a fishing station. This suggests that the earliest ancestors were likely farmers or tradespeople who lived near a specific enclosure or riverbank. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local community, contributing to the development of York’s economy and its unique regional identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stell
A place for livestock or a shelter for cattle.
This name
StellingDerived from a dweller at a cattle shelter or a place of enclosure.
also spelled
Stellinton
Stelinton
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
