Map of England showing where the Walters arms are recorded
The Walters 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 Walters 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 Walters Family in England
The surname Walters is a patronymic name, meaning it originated from the personal name Walter, which was brought to England following the Norman Conquest. The name itself is of Germanic origin and translates roughly to a ruler of an army. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the northern city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living and working within this historic walled city, which served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England. During this era, families often settled in urban hubs like York to participate in the growing merchant class or to serve in local government positions. As the name spread across the region, it became common for families to adopt the surname as a permanent way to identify their lineage and connection to their ancestors.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a chev. engr. or, betw. three bezants, each charged with a trefoil slipped vert”
Irelandc. 1645
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 Walters arms are recorded
The Walters arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Walters 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 Walters Family in Ireland
The surname Walters is primarily of Germanic and English origin, derived from the personal name Walter, which means powerful warrior. When the family arrived in Ireland, they were part of the broader movement of settlers who established roots in urban centers like Dublin during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the Walters family were already active participants in the social and economic life of the city. During this period, Dublin was a bustling hub of trade and administration, and families with this name often integrated into the merchant classes or local government roles. Their presence in the capital suggests they were part of the administrative and commercial expansion that defined the mid-1600s in Ireland. Over time, the family name became firmly embedded in the local landscape, transitioning from a name brought by newcomers to one that was synonymous with the long-term development of Dublin’s civic history.
Walters Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Waldhar
Germanic elements meaning rule and army.
This name
WaltersA patronymic surname derived from the personal name Walter, meaning powerful warrior.
also spelled
Wauters
Related arms
Walthersvariant spelling
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, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
lionCourage, strength and royalty
swordJustice, and military honour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
