A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dickinson family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serveJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à la fasce d'herm.”
The Dickinson arms were recorded in Philadelphie, c. 1725.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Reigning in France when the Dickinson arms are first recorded.
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
The history of the Dickinson name within France is deeply tied to the movement of people across the English Channel during the early eighteenth century. While the name is primarily of English origin, records confirm that family members were established in the region of Bretagne by 1725. During this period, the family likely integrated into the local social and economic structures of the province, which was a major hub for maritime trade and cross-cultural exchange. These early settlers were often part of a small but significant community of expatriates who maintained connections to their ancestral roots while adapting to the French language and legal systems. Their presence in Bretagne highlights the fluid nature of migration during the Enlightenment era, where families frequently relocated for professional opportunities or to escape political instability. By settling in this coastal region, the Dickinson family became part of a long tradition of families who bridged the gap between the British Isles and the western coast of France.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royaltySir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Az. a fesse betw. two lions pass. erm”
The Dickinson arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Reigning in France when the Dickinson arms are first recorded.
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.
The surname Dickinson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Dick, a common medieval nickname for Richard. The name began to appear in English records during the Middle Ages, primarily in the northern counties where the name Richard was especially popular. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the city of Lincoln. During this period, Lincoln was a significant regional hub, and families like the Dickinsons were often involved in local trade or agricultural life. As the name spread across the English countryside, it evolved from its original roots to become a distinct family identifier that linked generations through their shared lineage. The presence of the family in Lincoln by 1620 reflects a time when many families were becoming more settled and recognized within their specific local communities.
A Germanic name composed of elements meaning brave power or strong ruler.
