Map of England showing where the Truman arms are recorded
The Truman 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 Truman 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 Truman Family in England
The surname Truman is an ancient English name that originated as a descriptive nickname. It was typically given to a person who was known for being loyal, faithful, or reliable in their community. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Truman family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, the name was often spelled in various ways, such as Trewman or Trueman, reflecting the phonetic spelling habits of the time. These early families were often involved in local trade and civic life, helping to build the historical fabric of Northern England. As the centuries passed, the name spread from these regional roots to become a recognized part of the English-speaking world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Treowe-man
Old English words for faithful or loyal and a person.
This name
TrumanA trustworthy or loyal individual, often used to describe a reliable servant or honest person.
also spelled
Trueman
Related arms
Trueman, or Trumanvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, UK, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York, York Diocesan Probate Records, 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
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
