A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Twiss family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8511 · Britain, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or à la fasce ondée de sin., ch. de trois phéons du champ, les pointes en bas. et acc. de trois cerfs élancés au nat.; au chef d'azur, ch. de trois coquilles d'arg. C.: un phéon d'or, la pointe en bas [La branche d'Irl. ajoute la D.: VIRTUTI NON ARMIS FIDO.]”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Twiss arms are recorded
The Twiss arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Twiss arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Twiss Family in Britain
The surname Twiss is believed to have originated as a topographic name, likely referring to someone who lived near a fork in a river or a piece of land shaped like a twist. By the time the family established a documented presence in Kent during the early 1700s, the name had already been circulating in England for several generations. During this period, families with this name were often involved in local trade and agriculture, reflecting the typical social mobility of the era. As the name spread through the southern counties, it became associated with the industrious nature of rural communities that relied on the fertile landscape of the region. The history of the Twiss family in Kent provides a clear window into how surnames evolved from simple descriptions of the land into permanent markers of family identity within the British countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three bucks trippant or”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Twiss arms are recorded
The Twiss 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 Britain when the Twiss 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 Twiss Family in England
The surname Twiss is rooted in the landscape of northern England, where it emerged as a locational name linked to specific geographical features. Linguists believe the name is derived from the Old English word "twisla," which refers to a fork in a river or a junction where two streams meet. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Twiss family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region during the Stuart period. As residents of a major northern hub, these early ancestors likely navigated the transition from medieval trade guilds to the more complex mercantile systems developing in England at the time. Their presence in York suggests a family that was well-integrated into the urban fabric of northern society, living in a city defined by its ancient walls and its importance as a center for regional administration and commerce.
Twiss Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Twist
Old English word for a fork in a river or branch.
This name
TwissA topographic name for someone who lived near a fork in a river or a boundary.
also spelled
Twisse
Twys
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
