Map of England showing where the Zachary arms are recorded
The Zachary 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 Zachary 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 Zachary Family in England
The family name Zachary originates from the Hebrew name Zechariah, which translates to "the Lord has remembered." While the name has ancient roots, its presence in England became more established during the seventeenth century. By 1620, records indicate that members of the family were living in the historic city of York. At that time, York was a significant center for trade and religious life in Northern England. Families living in this region were often involved in local commerce or the skilled trades that supported the city’s growing economy. As the name moved through different generations, it evolved from a given name into a hereditary surname. This transition was common in England as populations grew and people needed more specific ways to identify their family lineages in official documents.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Zekharyah
Hebrew for Yahweh remembers
This name
ZacharyDerived from a biblical name signifying that God has remembered the individual.
also spelled
Zacharie
Zachery
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 and Wilson, Richard Middlewood, A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
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
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
