The best reference that we have found so far is the following article from Chrystie Myers' Genealogical Ancestry Research Homestead on her Simmons Surname History page.

The surname SIMMONS is a very good example of the variation of names. Most on authority rely more on intuition and opinion than on actual evidence and contend that SIMMONS was a surname having its origin's in the given name of SIMONS. Many believe that Simon Peter, the Saint and Apostle inspired (many) earlier English adoptioned this as their surname. Unlike SIMONS, SIMPSON and SIMS which they believe has little in common w/St. Simon Peter.

SIMMONS, SIMONDS, and SYMONDS are, (in fact) evolutions of the name SEAMAN. The SIMMONS ancestors were originally thought to be "sailors". (interesting)... There are 3 main types of "evidence" which has lead the writer (who's name is not mentioned) to this conclusion.

1) Numerous examples can be found among them the Sussex family of SIMMONS living in Seaford, England for 350 yrs, originally spelled "SEAMAN". 25 generations ago (during the 12 century) when English surnames were being formed, each succeeded generations in the SEAMAN family, which varied the spelling of their surname a little at time (with time) from: SEAMAN to SEMAN.... SEMANS to SEMONS... SYMONDS to SYMMONDS.... SIMMONDS and finally "SIMMONS".

2) A study was done on the distribution of the surname "SIMMONS" in all the English counties, with emphasis / concentration along the south coast of England's (5) five major ports. The spelling of SIMMONS and SIMMONDS were very common along the coast of Cornwall, but gradually became less frequent as they moved further inland. The SYMONDS and SIMONS were more focused in the areas of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, along the more east end of the coast.25 to 30 of the SYMONDS "coat of arms" featured a swimming dolphin as their primary change. Though only 2 SIMMONS "coats of arms" were know to even exist; one though had the dolphin in the swimming position, but this "arm" was not adopted once they immigrated to America. The other SIMMONS coat of arm (the one that was brought to America) had a divided field set w/gold and black roses. Probably reason: Only 2 SIMMONS coat of arms existed in the "sea-related" families mentioned above.

Another interesting "historical note here". Armorial bearings were only given to families that held principle property, so the branch of SIMMONS that immigrated to America were well established since they had a family arms and this set of "arms" originated in England. There were 436 SIMMONS families in the US when Pres. George WASHINGTON authorized the 1st Nat'l census (1790). The average SIMMONS family had 5.6 members. Primary areas of concentration were: (86) NC (73) NY (58) MASS (54) RI (49) MD (36) VA. The remaining (80) SIMMONS families were distributed in the other five "new" states. Most of these independent SIMMONS were young men just finishing their service in the Revolutionary War (must be where they got these statistics) Though SIMMONS was not a very prominent name in the WASHINGTON era, a later census taken in 1964 from the Social Security files show that SIMMONS is the 90th most common surname in our country, at that time.

Heraldry, or the research of "armorial" bearings, run's hand in hand with the study of family history. Coat armor, was unknown in Europe before the 12th century, not appearing in England until about 1250. It's sudden appearance has been contributed to several events which include the "Grist Crusade" ca 1097; the need for "body armor" and the growing need use of "seals" on personal deeds and documents. The early development of heraldic devices followed closely to the need for a better mean's of "identification", and the trend just took off. Embellished on shields in the beginning and armors had started a "trend" for more elaborate heraldic designs made on surcoats, horse trappings, and private possessions, such as to be used as "insignia's" including bends (diagonal stripes), horizontal stripes, crosses, chevrons and the use of bright colors for bloody battle use. Charges, or icons of animals and natural objects didn't gain popularity until 1/2 way through the 12 century, the use of surnames was revived.

When gunpowder entered history in the 14th and 15 centuries, and the decline of armor needs were in battle waned, the coats of arms became a somewhat beloved family decorative "crest" and was handed down through generations, proudly. Their is question of rightful ownership of coat of arms, but does not pertain in the USA.ARMS: party per pale or and sable, three roses counterchanged. On a field divided vertically, one half gold and the other half black, three roses of colors counter to their fields.