A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Willett family of England.
Reg. 0153 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Per fess ar. and gu. two barrulets betw. as many lions ramp. in chief and a cat pass. in base, all counterchanged”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Willett Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Willett arms are recorded
The Willett 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 Willett 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 Willett Family in England
The surname Willett has roots that stretch back to medieval England, where it evolved as a diminutive form of the name William. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the historic city of York. By 1620, records indicate that members of the Willett family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern hub. As the century progressed, the family name became increasingly associated with the shifting tides of English society, including the period of migration to the American colonies. These early Willetts were often tradespeople or landowners who helped shape the local communities where they settled. Their history reflects the broader patterns of English life during a time of significant transition and exploration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Willelm
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning will, desire, and helmet, protection.
This name
WillettA diminutive form of William, signifying a little or son of William.
also spelled
Wyllet
Wyllett
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York, Archbishop of York’s Diocesan Records
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fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
