A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Wormald family of England.
Reg. 8242 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, or, a fess ermines betw. two bears' heads erased in chief and three mascles interlaced fesswise in base sa., for WORMALD; 2nd and 3rd, quarterly, per fess indented az. and gu. a wolf's head erased betw. four crosses crosslet ar., for ARMITAGE”
YorkSawley · York, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Wormald arms are recorded
The Wormald arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Wormald 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 York.
Origin & History of the Wormald Family in England
The family name Wormald originates from the northern regions of England, particularly within the historic county of Yorkshire. Etymologists believe the name is topographical in nature, likely derived from Old English words describing a specific landscape feature, such as a valley or a stream inhabited by a dragon or serpent, which was a common motif in early folklore. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Wormald family were well-established residents of York. During this period, the family was deeply integrated into the local community, often appearing in municipal and parish registers as tradespeople and landowners. Their presence in the city suggests they were part of the growing middle class that helped shape the economic and social life of Northern England during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wyrm-weald
Old English for serpent or dragon and forest or woodland.
This name
WormaldDerived from a locative source referring to a dragon-infested wood or valley.
also spelled
Wormall
Wormold
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 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
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
wolfReward from long service and hard work
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
wolfReward from long service and hard work
