Map of England showing where the Wynter arms are recorded
The Wynter 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 Wynter 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 Wynter Family in England
The surname Wynter emerged in England as a descriptive name, likely given to individuals who were born during the winter months or who held specific seasonal obligations to a local lord. By the early seventeenth century, the name had become firmly established in the northern city of York. Records from 1620 show members of the Wynter family living and working within this historic urban center, which was a vital hub for trade and religious life at the time. During this period, families in York often lived near the city walls or close to the Minster, participating in the local economy as merchants or skilled craftsmen. The presence of the Wynter name in these early parish and municipal documents suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the city long before the era of modern record-keeping. This deep connection to York highlights how families maintained their identity and community roles across generations in one of England’s most significant historical cities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Chequy or and sa. a fess gu”
WorcesterWorcester, c. 1566
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Map of Scotland showing where the Wynter arms are recorded
The Wynter arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1566.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 Scotland in this period.
Mary, Queen of Scots
Sovereign of the period
Mary, Queen of Scots
1542–1567
Reigning in England when the Wynter arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Worcester.
Origin & History of the Wynter Family in Scotland
The surname Wynter carries a long history that reflects the movement of people across the British Isles during the medieval and early modern periods. While the family name is well-documented in Worcester by 1566, its roots in Scotland are tied to the broader linguistic shifts of the Middle Ages. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname for someone born in the winter months or perhaps someone who possessed a particularly cold or stern temperament. In Scotland, the name appeared in various records as families migrated between northern England and the Scottish Lowlands for trade and employment. These early bearers of the name were often associated with the agricultural and merchant classes, settling in growing towns where they established themselves as stable members of the local community. Over time, the spelling evolved to reflect regional dialects, but the core identity of the family remained linked to these early records of migration and settlement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wintar
Old Germanic word referring to the coldest season of the year.
This name
WynterAn occupational or descriptive name for someone born during the winter season or associated with it.
also spelled
Winter
Wyntre
Wyntyr
Related arms
Wintersame arms
Wintourvariant spelling
Roxburghrecorded with Wynter, 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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
York City Archives, City of York House Books
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
