Map of England showing where the Sylvester arms are recorded
The Sylvester arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Sylvester 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Sylvester Family in England
The surname Sylvester originates from the Latin word *silvestris*, which translates to "of the woods" or "forest-dweller." During the Middle Ages, this name was often given to individuals who lived near wooded areas or worked as foresters. By the time members of the family were established in Derby in 1620, the name had been used in England for several centuries. Families with this name were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes in English market towns. In the early 17th century, Derby was a bustling center for trade and industry, and the presence of the Sylvester family there suggests they were likely integrated into the local economy as skilled tradespeople or landowners. As the name spread through different regions, it became a common identifier for families who maintained a connection to the rural landscape even as they moved into urban environments.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
silva
Latin word meaning forest or woodland.
This name
SylvesterDerived from the Latin word for someone who lives in or works in the woods.
also spelled
Silvester
Sylvestr
Selvester
Related arms
Silvestervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St. Alkmund’s Parish Registers, 1620
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treeLife, endurance and deep roots
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
