Map of England showing where the Way arms are recorded
The Way arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Way 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Way Family in England
The family name Way is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, functioning as a topographic surname for people who lived near a prominent road or a public path. By the early 17th century, the name was firmly established in the county of Devon, a region known for its rugged terrain and deep historical ties to agriculture. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Way family were active residents in this area during a time of significant social change. Because the name originated from a common word for a route or track, it likely emerged independently in several different locations as people were identified by their proximity to local landmarks. This connection to the land suggests that the early ancestors of the family were deeply integrated into the rural communities of the English West Country, where they lived and worked for generations before the name began to spread further across the country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. on a canton ar. an eagle displ. gu”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Way arms are recorded
The Way 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 Way 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 Way Family in Ireland
The family name Way has a long history in Ireland, with records confirming that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the name was often associated with families of English origin who settled in the city during the seventeenth century. These early residents were part of a growing urban population that navigated the complex political and social shifts of the time. As the family became integrated into the life of Dublin, they participated in the local economy and the civic affairs of the capital. Over the following generations, the name spread from its base in the city to other parts of the country. While the name is relatively rare, its presence in early modern Dublin highlights the movement of people and families across the Irish Sea during a time of significant historical change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
weg
Old English word meaning a path, road, or track.
This name
WayA topographic name for someone who lived near a public road or a well-trodden path.
also spelled
Waya
Related arms
Weye, alias Wayevariant spelling
Goodwinrecorded with Way, same area
Hillrecorded with Way, same area
Kelleyrecorded with Way, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives, Parish Registers of Devon, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
