Map of England showing where the Stockdale arms are recorded
The Stockdale arms were recorded in York, c. 1623.
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 Stockdale 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 York.
Origin & History of the Stockdale Family in England
The surname Stockdale is a locational name that originated in Northern England, specifically derived from the Old Norse words "stokkr," meaning a tree trunk or log, and "dalr," meaning a valley. This suggests that the earliest members of the family likely lived in a valley where timber was harvested or where logs were used to build simple structures. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Stockdale family were active residents there by 1623, participating in the civic and social life of this major northern hub. During this era, York was a center for trade and administration, and the family’s presence there indicates they were likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes of the time. This geographic connection to the rugged landscapes of the north and the urban development of York provides a clear picture of how the family name evolved alongside the changing English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Stocc and Dael
Old English for tree trunk or post and a valley.
This name
StockdaleRefers to a person who lived in a valley characterized by tree stumps or posts.
also spelled
Stokdale
Stockdayle
Stockdall
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York House Books (B series), 1623
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
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
