A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Abby family of Wales.
Reg. 6183 · Welsh, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fusilTravail and industry
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. five fusils in fesse betw. three escallops ar”
Walesc. 1647
Where the Abby Arms Were Recorded
Denbigh
Map of Wales showing where the Abby arms are recorded
The Abby arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Abby arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Abby Family in Wales
The family name Abby has deep roots in the historical landscape of Denbigh, Wales, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1647. During the seventeenth century, Denbigh was a significant market town known for its strong community ties and its role as a center for local trade and administration. Families living in this region often took names that reflected their geographic surroundings or their connection to local landmarks. Because the name Abby sounds similar to the word abbey, it is possible that early ancestors lived near a religious house or served the local parish in a professional capacity. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Denbigh, contributing to the daily life and development of the town during a period of great political change in Britain. By tracing their presence back to this era, we can see that the Abby family was already well-integrated into the local community long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Abba
An Aramaic term meaning father or a source of strength.
This name
AbbyA diminutive form of Abigail, signifying a source of joy or father's delight.
also spelled
Abbis
Related arms
Abbis, Abbes, or Abbsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
fusilTravail and industry
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fusilTravail and industry
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
