Map of England showing where the Tart arms are recorded
The Tart arms were recorded in Westminster, c. 1620.
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 Tart 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 Tart Family in England
The surname Tart is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person with a sharp tongue or a stern personality. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the bustling district of Westminster. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Tart family were living in this area during a time of significant political and social change in London. As residents of Westminster, these early family members would have been close to the center of English government and the royal court. Over the following decades, the name became more firmly rooted in the region as the family participated in the daily life and commerce of the growing city. Their early settlement in such a prominent location suggests that they were active contributors to the local community during the transition into the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
tardus
Latin term meaning slow or sluggish in movement.
This name
TartA nickname for a person who was habitually slow or late.
also spelled
Tairt
Tartey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Westminster City Archives, Westminster Rate Books, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, St. Margaret’s Westminster Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
