Map of England showing where the Weatherhead arms are recorded
The Weatherhead 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 Weatherhead 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 Weatherhead Family in England
The surname Weatherhead is a locational name that originated in the northern regions of England. It likely described a person who lived near a prominent hill or a headland that was particularly exposed to harsh weather conditions. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious life, and families with this name were often involved in the local merchant guilds or agricultural activities of the surrounding countryside. As the family grew, they spread across the northern counties, maintaining a strong connection to the rugged landscape that originally inspired their name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wederheved
Old English words for weather or storm and head or top.
This name
WeatherheadA topographical name for someone living on a hill exposed to the elements.
also spelled
Wetherhead
Weatherhed
Wetherhed
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, York City Archives: House Books, 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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
