Map of England showing where the Worst arms are recorded
The Worst 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 Worst 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 Worst Family in England
The surname Worst is a topographical name that likely originated in Northern Europe, specifically within regions where Germanic and Dutch languages were spoken. The name is believed to have described someone who lived near a specific type of marshy land or a fenced enclosure. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had established a presence in the historic city of York, England. Records confirm that individuals carrying this name were living in the city by 1620, suggesting they were part of the local merchant or artisan classes during a period of significant urban growth. These early settlers in York likely integrated into the community through trade and local industry, helping to anchor the family name within the social fabric of Northern England long before the era of mass migration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wyrst
Old English term referring to a bend or a twist.
This name
WorstA topographic name for someone who lived near a winding path or river bend.
also spelled
Worstar
Worstre
Worstarre
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' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
