A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bullivant family of England.
Reg. 0595 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. a tower sa. on a chief gu. three fleurs-de-lis or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bullivant Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bullivant arms are recorded
The Bullivant 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 Bullivant 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 Bullivant Family in England
The surname Bullivant is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname in medieval England. It likely comes from the Old French phrase "bon vivant," which translates to a person who enjoys the good things in life, such as fine food and drink. By the time the family was established in York during the early 17th century, the name had evolved through various spellings in local records. Families bearing this name were often part of the growing merchant or artisan classes in northern English cities. Living in a major hub like York in 1620 suggests that these early ancestors were likely involved in the vibrant trade and craft guilds that defined the city at that time. Over the centuries, the name became firmly rooted in the region, reflecting a history of social integration and steady community life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bon vivant
A person who enjoys the good things in life, especially food.
This name
BullivantA nickname for a person who enjoyed a luxurious or merry lifestyle.
also spelled
Bullifant
Bulliphant
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, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
