Map of England showing where the Welke arms are recorded
The Welke 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 Welke 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 Welke Family in England
The family name Welke has deep roots that trace back to the early seventeenth century in the historic city of York. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents within this northern English hub. The name likely evolved from regional dialects or nicknames used to identify individuals in local trade and parish life. During this era, York was a bustling center of commerce and religion, which provided a stable environment for families to grow and document their presence in church registers. As the family lived through the social shifts of the Stuart period, they became part of the long-standing fabric of the city. Their early history reflects the typical experience of families who settled in growing urban centers, where they contributed to the local economy and community life for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wilhelm
Derived from Germanic elements meaning will, desire, and helmet or protection.
This name
WelkeA diminutive form of William, signifying a resolute protector or strong-willed guardian.
also spelled
Welky
Weelkes
Related arms
Weelkesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Archbishops' Transcripts (PR.Y/MYC)
Borthwick Institute for Archives, Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey, York
Palliser, D.M., Tudor York, 1979
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
bullValour and generosity
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bullValour and generosity
