Map of England showing where the Westermann arms are recorded
The Westermann arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Westermann 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 York.
Origin & History of the Westermann Family in England
The surname Westermann is a topographic name that originated in Germanic-speaking regions, specifically serving as a descriptor for someone who lived in the western part of a village or settlement. The name combines the word "wester," meaning west, with "mann," meaning man. By the early 17th century, members of the family had migrated across the North Sea to England, as evidenced by records confirming their presence in the city of York by 1620. During this period, families often moved for trade opportunities or religious reasons, and the Westermanns likely integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes of Northern England. This transition from continental Europe to the historic streets of York highlights the mobility of families during the early modern era as they sought new beginnings in burgeoning English urban centers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
West
A cardinal direction indicating the setting sun or western region.
This name
WestermannA topographical or habitational name for someone who lived in the west.
also spelled
Westermon
Westermen
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bahlow, Hans. Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt. 1967
Bardsley, Charles Wareing. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
lionCourage, strength and royalty
