Map of Britain showing where the Stephens arms are recorded
The Stephens arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Stephens 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 Stephens Family in Britain
The surname Stephens originated as a patronymic, meaning it was derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. It is a variation of the name Stephen, which comes from the Greek word stephanos, meaning a crown or a garland. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, the name became very popular across Britain because of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By the time your ancestors were established in Kent in the early 1700s, the name had already been in use for centuries as a way to identify families in local parish records. During this era, spelling was not standardized, so the name often appeared in documents as Stevens or Stephens depending on how the local clerk heard the name spoken. Families living in Kent at that time were likely part of the agricultural or trade communities that formed the backbone of the English countryside. These families helped shape the local history of the region through their roles in village life and their contributions to the local economy.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Per chev. az. and erm. in chief two eagles displ. or”
EssexColchester · Essex, c. 1592
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Map of England showing where the Stephens arms are recorded
The Stephens arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1592.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the Stephens 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Stephens Family in England
The surname Stephens is a patronymic name, meaning it was originally derived from the given name Stephen, which traces its roots back to the Greek word *stephanos*, meaning a crown or garland. In England, the name became popular following the Norman Conquest, as the cult of Saint Stephen gained widespread devotion among the population. By the late 16th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex, where records from 1592 confirm their residence. During this era, families with this name were often involved in local agriculture or trade, living in small rural parishes where they contributed to the social and economic fabric of the community. Because surnames were still becoming standardized during this period, the spelling often shifted between variations like Stephens, Stevens, or Steevens depending on the local clerk recording the information. These early ancestors were part of a growing class of English families who helped shape the identity of their local regions through generations of steady work and community participation.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per pale erm. and gu. a saltire counterchanged”
DublinDublin, c. 1665
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Map of Ireland showing where the Stephens arms are recorded
The Stephens arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1665.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Stephens 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Stephens Family in Ireland
The name Stephens has deep roots in Ireland that trace back to the mid-seventeenth century. By 1665, records confirm that members of the family were already well-established residents of Dublin. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and political change, and families like the Stephens often integrated into the city’s growing administrative and merchant classes. The name itself is a patronymic, meaning it was originally derived from the given name Stephen, which became popular across Europe due to its religious significance. As these early settlers moved into the urban landscape of Ireland, they helped shape the social fabric of the capital city. Over time, the family name became a permanent part of the Irish story, reflecting the movement of people and the blending of cultures that defined seventeenth-century Dublin.
Stephens Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning a crown or a garland.
This name
StephensA patronymic surname signifying son of the one who is crowned.
also spelled
Stevens
Stephans
Stephins
Related arms
Whitelingsame arms
Boothsimilar arms
Evanssimilar arms
Steffensvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, A Dictionary of Surnames, 1988
Kent Archives, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
