Map of England showing where the Todman arms are recorded
The Todman 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 Todman 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 Todman Family in England
The surname Todman is deeply rooted in the history of Northern England, with records confirming that family members were established in the city of York by the early seventeenth century. The name likely originated as an occupational or descriptive descriptor, potentially referring to a person who worked with "tods," which was a traditional term for a fox or a specific measurement of wool. During the 1600s, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, providing a stable environment for families to settle and grow. As the Todman family became integrated into the local community, they participated in the daily life of the city, contributing to the regional economy and social fabric of Yorkshire. By tracing these early residents, we gain a clearer picture of how families in the north of England maintained their presence and identity during a time of significant national change.
Todman Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Tod
Old English term for a fox
This name
TodmanAn occupational name for a fox hunter or a person with fox-like traits.
also spelled
Todmanne
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, Archbishop of York Diocesan Records
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
