A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Thamm family of England.
Reg. 7658 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ar. a griffin vert and a lion ramp. az. crowned ar. both combatant, quartering, Chequy or and az. on a bend gu. three lions pass. of the first, for WARREN”
OxfordOxford, c. 1574
Where the Thamm Arms Were Recorded
Oxford
Map of England showing where the Thamm arms are recorded
The Thamm arms were recorded in Oxford, c. 1574.
Oxfordshire was farming country with the university at its centre, and both produced families of standing. Scholars and lawyers who did well bought manors nearby, and holding a manor was the ordinary route to a coat 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 England in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Thamm 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 Oxford.
Origin & History of the Thamm Family in England
The surname Thamm has deep roots that trace back to the German-speaking regions of Europe, where it likely originated as a shortened form of the name Thomas. By the late sixteenth century, members of the family had established a presence in England, with historical records confirming their residence in Oxford as early as 1574. During this period, the name was often associated with families of modest means who worked as skilled tradespeople or laborers within growing urban centers. As these individuals moved across borders, they adapted to local customs while maintaining the identity passed down through their ancestors. The presence of the Thamm name in Oxford during the Elizabethan era suggests that the family was part of the steady migration of artisans and merchants who contributed to the economic and social life of English university towns during the Renaissance.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Thomas
Aramaic name meaning twin
This name
ThammA patronymic surname derived from the given name Thomas, signifying son of Thomas.
also spelled
Tamm
Thamm
Tame
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Oxfordshire History Centre, Oxford City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Mayor's Court Rolls, 1574
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
lionCourage, strength and royalty
