A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wayte family of England.
Reg. 1183 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. gu. betw. three buglehorns stringed sa. garnished or”
EnglandSouthampton, c. 1612
Where the Wayte Arms Were Recorded
Southampton
Map of England showing where the Wayte arms are recorded
The Wayte arms were recorded in Southampton, c. 1612.
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 Wayte 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 Wayte Family in England
The surname Wayte is rooted in the medieval occupation of a "wait," which was a professional town musician or a night watchman tasked with guarding the streets. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the port city of Southampton. Records from 1612 confirm that members of the Wayte family were active participants in the civic and commercial life of this bustling maritime hub. As Southampton served as a vital gateway for trade and travel, the family likely benefited from the city's growth and its connections to the wider world. Over time, the name evolved from a job description into a hereditary surname, marking the transition of the family from local laborers to established residents within the English social structure.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
waht
Old English term for a watchman or guard.
This name
WayteAn occupational surname for a night watchman or a musician employed by a town.
also spelled
Waite
Wait
Related arms
Waitsame arms
Waitevariant spelling
Watevariant spelling
Amyattrecorded with Wayte, 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
Southampton City Archives, Court Leet Records, 1612
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
