Map of England showing where the Wilcock arms are recorded
The Wilcock 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 Wilcock 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 Wilcock Family in England
The surname Wilcock is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person by their father’s given name. It is a diminutive form of the name William, created by adding the suffix "cock," a common medieval term used to denote a young or small person. By the time members of the family were documented in York in 1620, the name had already been established in England for several centuries. During the Middle Ages, families often settled in specific regions where they worked as farmers, tradespeople, or merchants. The presence of the Wilcock family in York during the early 17th century suggests they were part of the growing urban population in one of England’s most important historical cities. At that time, York was a major center for commerce and religion, and families like the Wilcocks likely contributed to the local economy through skilled labor or trade. As the name spread across the country, it evolved into various spellings, but it remained a clear link to the popularity of the name William in early English society.
Wilcock Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
William
Germanic name meaning resolute protector or strong-willed warrior.
This name
WilcockA diminutive form meaning little son of William.
also spelled
Wyllcock
Wilcocks
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
