Map of England showing where the Usher arms are recorded
The Usher arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Usher 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 York.
Origin & History of the Usher Family in England
The surname Usher originated as an occupational title for a person who served as a doorkeeper or an official usher in a royal or noble household. During the Middle Ages, these individuals held positions of significant trust, as they were responsible for regulating entry into private chambers and managing the flow of guests at formal events. By the time members of the family were recorded in York in 1620, the name had transitioned from a specific job description into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early settlers in Northern England were part of a growing class of citizens who contributed to the local economy and social structure of the city. As families moved away from their original roles in grand estates, they established themselves as distinct lineages within their local communities. The presence of the Usher name in York records during the early seventeenth century reflects the broader movement of families across England as they sought new opportunities and established roots in regional urban centers.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, same Arms; 2nd and 3rd, ar. three lions' gambs couped and erect sa. armed gu”
DublinDublin, c. 1592
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Usher arms are recorded
The Usher arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1592.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Usher 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Usher Family in Ireland
The Usher family established a significant presence in Ireland by the late sixteenth century, becoming deeply integrated into the civic and religious life of Dublin. By 1592, the family was already well-positioned in the city, notably coinciding with the founding of Trinity College Dublin, where members of the family would soon play a prominent role in academic and ecclesiastical affairs. The name itself is occupational in origin, derived from the title of an official who acted as a doorkeeper or an usher in a royal or noble household. As the family settled in Ireland, they transitioned from their traditional roles into influential positions within the administration of the Pale. Their early history in Dublin reflects a pattern of social advancement, as they moved from holding local offices to becoming key figures in the governance and intellectual development of the city during a time of great political change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ostium
Latin term meaning a door or entrance.
This name
UsherAn occupational title for a doorkeeper or an official who escorted people into a hall.
also spelled
Ushir
Related arms
Bethamrecorded with Usher, same area
Butlerrecorded with Usher, same area
Chichester Fortescuerecorded with Usher, same area
Hipponrecorded with Usher, same area
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
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.
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
