Map of England showing where the Valentine arms are recorded
The Valentine arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1620.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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 Valentine 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Valentine Family in England
The surname Valentine traces its roots in England to the medieval period, emerging as a name derived from the Latin word *valens*, which means strong or healthy. While the name was often associated with the feast day of Saint Valentine, it was frequently adopted as a personal name or a nickname for individuals born in February or those known for their kind and affectionate nature. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of Hereford. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Valentine family were active participants in the local community during this era of English history. As the name spread across the English countryside, it evolved from a simple descriptor into a hereditary family name that was passed down through generations of farmers, tradespeople, and local officials. This transition reflects the broader movement of English families settling into permanent roles within their specific counties as the nation moved into the modern age.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. a mullet in fess betw. three hearts gu”
DublinDublin, c. 1610
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 Valentine arms are recorded
The Valentine arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1610.
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 VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Valentine 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 Valentine Family in Ireland
The history of the Valentine family in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. By 1610, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a period when the city was becoming a central hub for English settlers and administrators. The name itself is derived from the Latin word valentinus, meaning strong or healthy, and it likely arrived in Ireland through migration from England during the plantation era. These early settlers often held positions of influence within the city, serving in civic roles or participating in the growing mercantile economy that defined Dublin at the time. As the family integrated into Irish society, they became part of the complex social fabric of a capital city undergoing rapid transformation. Their presence in the early 1600s marks them as part of a significant wave of families who helped shape the administrative and professional life of Dublin during the reign of King James I.
Valentine Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Valentinus
Derived from the Latin word valens meaning strong, healthy, or powerful.
This name
ValentineRefers to a person who is strong, vigorous, or healthy in constitution.
also spelled
Valentyne
Valentyn
Valantine
Related arms
Horspoolesame arms
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, 1997
Herefordshire Archives, Hereford City Council Records, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
