Map of England showing where the Walling arms are recorded
The Walling 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 Walling 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 Walling Family in England
The surname Walling is primarily of English origin and is often classified as a topographical name. This means it was likely given to people who lived near a specific landmark, such as a wall or a defensive fortification. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in northern England, particularly in the city of York. Records confirm that members of the Walling family were active residents of York by 1620, living within a region that was then a major center for trade and religious administration. During this period, families with this name were often integrated into the local economy as craftsmen or merchants. As the family grew, they contributed to the social fabric of the city, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the steady development of English surnames during the late Renaissance.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wealh
Old English term for a foreigner or a Welsh person.
This name
WallingA habitational name for someone who lived near a wall or a defensive rampart.
also spelled
Wallynge
Waling
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 Freemen’s Register, 1620
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cinquefoilHope and joy
