Map of England showing where the Wakeman arms are recorded
The Wakeman arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1541.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Wakeman 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Wakeman Family in England
The family name Wakeman originated in England as an occupational surname, likely referring to a person who served as a watchman or a local official responsible for keeping the peace. By the early 16th century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Gloucester. Records from 1541 confirm that members of the Wakeman family were active in this region during a period of significant religious and social transition in England. As the name spread through the English countryside, it became associated with local governance and community service. These early ancestors helped shape the identity of the family by embedding themselves into the civic life of their home towns. Over time, the name evolved from a simple job description into a lasting family legacy that persisted across generations of English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Vert a saltire wavy erm”
Irelandc. 1620
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Map of Ireland showing where the Wakeman arms are recorded
The Wakeman arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1620.
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 VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Wakeman 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 Wakeman Family in Ireland
The Wakeman family name first appears in the historical record of Dublin around 1620, marking the arrival of settlers during a period of significant social and political change in Ireland. While the name is of English origin, likely describing a person who served as a watchman or a town official, those who settled in Dublin quickly integrated into the city’s administrative and merchant classes. By the early 17th century, members of the family were involved in the civic life of the capital, often working in roles that required literacy and connection to the growing colonial government. Over the following decades, the family established roots in the region, transitioning from newcomers into established residents who participated in the local economy. Their presence in Dublin during this era reflects the broader movement of families across the Irish Sea who sought new opportunities in the urban centers of the seventeenth century.
Wakeman Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
wacan
Old English verb meaning to wake, watch, or remain awake.
This name
WakemanAn occupational title for a watchman or a person responsible for guarding the town.
also spelled
Wakman
Waykeman
Related arms
Allyerecorded with Wakeman, same area
Barnardrecorded with Wakeman, same area
Carrrecorded with Wakeman, same area
Nuttrecorded with Wakeman, 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
The National Archives. Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 16: 1540-1541. 1898
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
