Map of England showing where the Wildman arms are recorded
The Wildman arms were recorded in Nottingham, c. 1620.
Nottinghamshire had coal under it and forest across it, and both were worth money. Families who profited bought manors, and a manor was the ordinary reason for a family to take a coat of 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 Wildman 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 Nottingham.
Origin & History of the Wildman Family in England
The surname Wildman is a descriptive name that likely originated in medieval England to identify someone who lived in or near a wild, uncultivated area, such as a forest or a remote woodland. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Nottingham, where records confirm their residence by 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who worked closely with the land or managed forested estates. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local community life of the East Midlands, transitioning from their rural roots into various trades and civic roles. This evolution reflects the broader movement of English families who moved from isolated wilderness areas into growing market towns during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wilde
Old English word meaning untamed, uncontrolled, or living in a natural state.
This name
WildmanA descriptive occupational or topographical name for someone who lived in the wilderness or was untamed.
also spelled
Wyldman
Wildeman
Wyldeman
Related arms
Hardyrecorded with Wildman, same area
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
Nottinghamshire Archives, Nottingham St Mary Parish Registers, 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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
