Map of England showing where the Tinker arms are recorded
The Tinker 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 Tinker 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 Tinker Family in England
The surname Tinker is an occupational name that originated in medieval England. It was given to people who worked as itinerant metalworkers, specifically those who repaired pots, pans, and other household items made of tin. These craftsmen traveled from village to village to offer their services, which made the name common among the working class. By the year 1620, records show that members of the Tinker family were firmly established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and industry in Northern England. Families living there often played active roles in the local guilds and the bustling market life of the city. As the family grew, they became part of the long history of skilled laborers who helped maintain the domestic tools essential to daily life in early modern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
tinken
To ring or clink metal
This name
TinkerAn itinerant metal worker who repaired pots, pans, and other household utensils.
also spelled
Tynker
Tinkar
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
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
