Map of England showing where the Walshe arms are recorded
The Walshe arms were recorded in England, c. 1563.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Walshe 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 Walshe Family in England
The surname Walshe is a variant of the name Walsh, which historically served as a descriptive term used by the English to identify people of Welsh origin. As families migrated across Britain, they often adopted these labels as permanent surnames to distinguish themselves in their new communities. By 1563, records confirm that members of the Walshe family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and administration, making it a common destination for families seeking new economic opportunities. These early residents were likely integrated into the urban life of the city, participating in local commerce and civic affairs as the name became a fixed part of their identity.
Walshe Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Walh
An Old English term meaning a foreigner or stranger.
This name
WalsheA locative or ethnic surname denoting a person of Welsh or foreign origin.
also spelled
Welsh
Related arms
Walchevariant spelling
Welchvariant spelling
Welchevariant spelling
Welshvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York Civic Records, 1563
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lilyPurity and the promise of resurrection
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lilyPurity and the promise of resurrection
