Map of England showing where the Dabby arms are recorded
The Dabby 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 Dabby 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 Dabby Family in England
The Dabby family name has roots that trace back to the historic city of York in the early 17th century. By 1620, records confirm that members of the family were established residents within this northern English hub. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Dabbys often played a role in the local community through skilled labor or small-scale commerce. While the name is relatively rare, its presence in York suggests that the family was part of the steady population that helped define the city during the transition into the Stuart era. Over time, the name likely evolved through regional dialects and the informal spelling habits common among clerks and record keepers of the time. This early foundation in York provides a clear starting point for understanding how the family integrated into the social and economic landscape of Northern England.
Dabby Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Dab
A medieval pet form of the name Robert meaning bright fame.
This name
DabbyA diminutive or patronymic surname derived from the personal name Robert.
also spelled
Daybie
Daybey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward, History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York, 1822
The National Archives, Parish registers of York, 1620
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.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cinquefoilHope and joy
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cinquefoilHope and joy
