Map of England showing where the Stephey arms are recorded
The Stephey 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 Stephey 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 Stephey Family in England
The surname Stephey is a localized variation of names rooted in the medieval English landscape, likely derived from the Old English word "stede," which refers to a place or a farmstead. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Stephey family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this period, families often took their names from the specific parcels of land they occupied or the local landmarks near their homes. As the family moved through the generations, the spelling evolved to reflect the regional dialects of Northern England, eventually settling into its current form. This history highlights a deep connection to the English countryside and the long-standing tradition of families identifying themselves by the geography of their ancestral homes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stephanos
Greek word meaning crown or garland.
This name
StepheyA variant of Stephen, signifying one who is crowned with victory or honor.
also spelled
Stepy
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
The National Archives, UK, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
