Map of England showing where the Trumbull arms are recorded
The Trumbull arms were recorded in Berks, c. 1620.
Berkshire sat on the road west from London with the royal castle at Windsor in the middle of it. Court families bought estates within reach, and an estate near the court almost always came with 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Trumbull 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 Berks.
Origin & History of the Trumbull Family in England
The surname Trumbull is believed to have originated in the border regions between England and Scotland, where it was often associated with the name Turnbull. The name likely began as a descriptive nickname for a person of great physical strength or someone who had performed a notable feat of bravery in battle. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Berkshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Trumbull family were living in this area, where they were often involved in local administration and land management. As the family grew, they became integrated into the social and political life of southern England, eventually producing notable figures who served in government and the church. Their transition from the northern borderlands to the heart of English society reflects the broader movement of families seeking stability and opportunity during the Stuart period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bullValour and generosity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. three bulls' heads erased sa. horned vert, flames issuant from the mouths ppr”
IrelandGeorge Trumbull, c. 1686
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Map of Ireland showing where the Trumbull arms are recorded
The Trumbull arms were recorded in George Trumbull, c. 1686.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in England when the Trumbull arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Trumbull Family in Ireland
The Trumbull family name has roots that trace back to the British Isles, but its presence in Ireland became firmly established by the late seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were living in Dublin by 1686, a time when the city was a growing center for trade and administration. During this period, families with this surname often moved between England, Scotland, and Ireland due to shifting political landscapes and new economic opportunities. Those who settled in Dublin likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes, as the city served as a vital hub for those seeking to build a new life across the Irish Sea. While the name itself is often linked to older traditions of strength and service, its early history in Ireland reflects the migration patterns of families who helped shape the urban development of Dublin during the late Stuart era.
Trumbull Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Trumbel
A Middle English term meaning to turn or brandish a weapon.
This name
TrumbullA nickname for a bold or fierce warrior who brandished a spear.
also spelled
Trumble
Trumbell
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1603–1625
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bullValour and generosity
bullValour and generosity
