A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dobbins family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8980 · Dutch, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sa. à l'aigle ép. d'arg.”
Netherlandsc. 1815
Where the Dobbins Arms Were Recorded
Friesland
Map of Netherlands showing where the Dobbins arms are recorded
The Dobbins arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1815.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry 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.
Region
Friesland
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Dobbins Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Dobbins arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Dobbins Family in Netherlands
The family name Dobbins carries a distinct history rooted in the northern regions of the Netherlands, particularly within the province of Friesland. By the early 19th century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, living among a population known for its strong maritime traditions and independent spirit. The name itself likely evolved as a patronymic or a descriptive nickname, common in Dutch naming customs where surnames often reflected a person’s father or a specific physical trait. During the year 1815, the Netherlands underwent significant political changes as it transitioned into a unified kingdom, which led to more formal registration of family names in civil records. For families like the Dobbins, this era marked a shift toward permanent documentation, allowing their presence in Frisian villages to be officially recorded for the first time in state archives. This period of transition helped solidify the family identity within the local community, linking their lineage to the unique cultural and linguistic landscape of the Frisian people.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
flaunchesA reward for virtue and learning
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. five mullets of six points, two, one, and two, betw. two flaunches chequy ar. and sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Dobbins Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dobbins arms are recorded
The Dobbins 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 Netherlands when the Dobbins 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 Dobbins Family in England
The surname Dobbins originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. It is a diminutive form of the name Robert, specifically evolving from the nickname Dob or Dobbe. During the Middle Ages, it was common for people to add suffixes like "in" to names to show affection or to distinguish a younger person from an older relative with the same name. By the early 17th century, families carrying this name had established roots in various regions, including the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Dobbins family were living in York by 1620, where they likely participated in the local trade and social life of the city. As the name spread across the English countryside, it became a permanent fixture of the local population, reflecting the naming customs and linguistic shifts of the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Robert
A Germanic name meaning bright fame or shining glory.
This name
DobbinsA patronymic surname meaning son of Dob, a medieval diminutive of Robert.
also spelled
Dobbinse
Dobins
Dobbyns
Dobbyn
Dobyns
Related arms
Dobbynvariant spelling
Dobynsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Tresoar (Frisian Historical and Literary Center), Burgerlijke Stand van Friesland (Civil Registry of Friesland) 1811–1950
Netherlands National Archives, Bevolkingsregisters (Population Registers) 1811–1850
Feitsma, A., Friese familienamen en hun herkomst (Frisian family names and their origin), 1992
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
flaunchesA reward for virtue and learning
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
