Map of England showing where the Turtle arms are recorded
The Turtle 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 Turtle 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 Turtle Family in England
The surname Turtle is an ancient English name that likely originated as a nickname based on the turtledove, a bird often associated with affection and peace in medieval literature. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Turtle family were living in this northern hub by 1620, a time when the city was a major center for trade and religious life in England. Families with this name were often integrated into the local urban economy, working as tradespeople or craftsmen who helped sustain the city's growth. Because surnames were still evolving during this era, the name was occasionally recorded with variations in spelling, reflecting the phonetic habits of local clerks. Over time, the family became deeply rooted in the social fabric of the region, carrying their name forward through generations of northern English life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Thurketill
Old Norse name meaning Thor's cauldron or Thor's sacrificial vessel.
This name
TurtleAn English occupational or nickname derived from the Old Norse personal name.
also spelled
Turtel
Turtell
Turtill
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
