Map of England showing where the Woodcock arms are recorded
The Woodcock arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Woodcock 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Woodcock Family in England
The surname Woodcock originated in medieval England as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to a person who shared characteristics with the bird of the same name. During the Middle Ages, people were often identified by their physical traits, personality, or habits, and the woodcock was a common sight in the English countryside. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Woodcock family were living and working within this region, contributing to the local community during a period of significant social and economic change. As the family grew, they became part of the fabric of rural English life, with their name serving as a lasting link to the landscape and the naming customs of their ancestors.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a fess erm. betw. three leopards pass. or”
Irelandc. 1649
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Map of Ireland showing where the Woodcock arms are recorded
The Woodcock arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1649.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Woodcock arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Woodcock Family in Ireland
The Woodcock family name arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social upheaval in the seventeenth century. While the surname originated in England as a descriptive nickname for a person perceived to be clever or perhaps easily tricked, its presence in Ireland became firmly established by 1649. During this year, records indicate that members of the Woodcock family were living in Dublin, likely arriving as part of the administrative and military influx that followed the Cromwellian campaigns. These early settlers often integrated into the urban life of the capital, working as merchants, tradesmen, or government officials. As the family put down roots in the city, they became part of the shifting demographic landscape of Dublin, contributing to the development of the local economy and the expansion of the English-speaking community in the region. Over the following decades, the name transitioned from being associated with new arrivals to becoming a recognized part of the city’s long-term population.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
wudu and cocc
Old English for wood and a bird or cock
This name
WoodcockA topographic name for someone living near a wood inhabited by woodcocks.
also spelled
Woodcoke
Related arms
Everardsame arms
Barnfieldrecorded with Woodcock, same area
Bassettrecorded with Woodcock, same area
Benbowrecorded with Woodcock, 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
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions 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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
