A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ausborne family of England.
Reg. 2922 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. billettée or, a griffin segreant of the last”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ausborne Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ausborne arms are recorded
The Ausborne 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 Ausborne 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 Ausborne Family in England
The name Ausborne is a variation of the Old English name Osbern, which translates to divine bear. During the Middle Ages, this name became popular across England due to its strong association with strength and leadership. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York. At this time, York was a major hub for trade and religious life, and families living there were often involved in the city’s bustling merchant guilds or local administration. The presence of the Ausborne name in this region suggests that the family was part of the growing middle class that helped shape the social and economic landscape of Northern England during the early seventeenth century. As the family moved through the generations, they adapted to the changing political climate of the era while maintaining their roots in the historic heart of Yorkshire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Osbeorn
Derived from Old Norse elements meaning god and bear.
This name
AusborneA locational surname referring to a stream or valley belonging to a divine warrior.
also spelled
Osborne
Osborn
Related arms
Osbornvariant spelling
Osbornevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
