Map of England showing where the Dabbs arms are recorded
The Dabbs arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Dabbs 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 York.
Origin & History of the Dabbs Family in England
The surname Dabbs is considered a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person by their father’s given name. It is a derivative of the name Robert, specifically evolving from the medieval nickname Dab or Dabbe. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Dabbs family were active participants in the local community during this period. As residents of a major northern trade hub, these early ancestors likely worked in the skilled crafts or merchant trades that defined the city’s economy. Over time, the spelling shifted from early variations to the modern form we recognize today, reflecting the way names were recorded by clerks based on local pronunciation.
Dabbs Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Robert
Bright fame or shining glory
This name
DabbsA diminutive or pet form of the name Robert, originating as a medieval nickname.
also spelled
Dobbes
Dobbys
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, 1991
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
