A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cobbe family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2813 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
duckResourcefulness on land and water
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Per chev. gu. and sa. two shovellers in chief ar. and a fish naiant in base or”
DevonDevon, c. 1520
Where the Cobbe Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Cobbe arms are recorded
The Cobbe arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1520.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought 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 England in this period.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Cobbe 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Cobbe Family in England
The family name Cobbe has deep roots in the English landscape, with historical records confirming the presence of the family in the county of Devon by the year 1520. The name likely originated as a descriptive nickname, possibly derived from the Old English word cob, which was often used to describe a person of significant stature or a leader within a local community. During the sixteenth century, families like the Cobbes were typically settled in rural parishes where they worked as landholders or yeoman farmers. This period was a time of great social change in England, and the movement of the family through the West Country reflects the broader patterns of local migration and land management common in the Tudor era. By establishing themselves in Devon, the early members of the family became part of the regional fabric, contributing to the agricultural and social life of their villages for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
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. a fesse ar. in chief two swans of the last”
DublinNewbridge · Dublin, c. 1645
Where the Cobbe Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Cobbe arms are recorded
The Cobbe arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1645.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Cobbe arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Cobbe Family in Ireland
The Cobbe family established a significant presence in Ireland by the mid-seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin by 1645. This period was a time of great upheaval in Irish history, and the family quickly integrated into the administrative and social life of the capital city. As the family grew, they expanded their influence beyond Dublin, eventually acquiring substantial landholdings in County Dublin and County Louth. The family became deeply involved in the professional and religious life of the country, with various members serving as prominent clergymen and government officials. By settling in Ireland during this formative era, the Cobbe family transitioned from newcomers to established members of the Irish landed gentry, leaving a lasting mark on the local history of the regions where they lived.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cobba
An Old English personal name derived from the word for a lump.
This name
CobbeA nickname for a stout or rounded person or a leader of men.
also spelled
Cob
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives, Early Chancery Proceedings, C 1/505/17
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Register Transcripts for Devon
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
duckResourcefulness on land and water
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
duckResourcefulness on land and water
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
