Map of England showing where the Ye arms are recorded
The Ye 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 Ye 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 Ye Family in England
The history of the Ye family name in England is deeply connected to the city of York, where members of the family were documented as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families to establish deep roots. The name itself is often considered a regional variation or a phonetic spelling that emerged from the unique dialect of Northern England. Because surnames were still becoming standardized during this era, the spelling likely shifted based on how local clerks recorded the name in parish registers. Families living in York at this time were often involved in the city’s thriving guild system or local commerce, which allowed them to maintain a consistent presence in the area for generations. By settling in such a historically significant city, the early Ye family became part of the long narrative of urban life in Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gē
Old English term referring to a district or region.
This name
YeA topographic name for someone who lived in a specific district or region.
also spelled
Yowe
Yow
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
York City Archives, Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
