A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Abell family of England.
Reg. 6434 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. on a saltire engr. az. nine fleurs-de-lis of the field”
DerbyStapenhill · Derby, c. 1611
Where the Abell Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Abell arms are recorded
The Abell arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1611.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Abell 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Abell Family in England
The surname Abell has deep roots in England, appearing as a common name in various regions long before the seventeenth century. Etymologists often trace the name to the medieval period, suggesting it likely originated as a shortened form of the name Abel, which was popular due to its biblical significance. By the time the family was firmly established in Derby in 1611, the name had already been documented in tax records and parish registers for several generations across the Midlands. These early Abells in Derby were typically part of the growing merchant and artisan classes who helped shape the town’s local economy. As the family grew, they became integrated into the civic life of the area, leaving behind a trail of documents that highlight their steady presence in English society during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Abel
Derived from the Hebrew word for breath or vapor.
This name
AbellA medieval diminutive form of the biblical name, often signifying a breath or vanity.
also spelled
Abill
Abbele
Related arms
Ablevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St Alkmund Parish Registers, 1611
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
