Map of England showing where the Wofford arms are recorded
The Wofford 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 Wofford 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 Wofford Family in England
The Wofford family name traces its roots back to the northern regions of England, with documented evidence placing early members in the city of York as early as 1620. The name is considered a topographical surname, which means it likely originated from a description of the landscape where the first family members lived. It is believed to be a variation of the Old English words for a ford or a shallow river crossing located near a specific grove or wooded area. As these early ancestors moved through the northern counties, they were often recorded in parish registers and local tax rolls. These records show that the family was firmly established in the social fabric of Yorkshire long before many of their descendants began the journey to the American colonies in the eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wulfheard
Derived from Old English elements meaning wolf and brave or hardy.
This name
WoffordA locational surname referring to a ford associated with a person named Wulfheard.
also spelled
Oforde
Offurd
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
Yorkshire Parish Register Society, The Registers of the Parish Church of York, 1905
Borthwick Institute for Archives, Diocese of York Probate Records, 1620
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
bordureA difference between branches of one family
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
