A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dobbs family of England.
Reg. 4481 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
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)
“Per pale ar. and sa. a chev. engr. betw. three unicorns' heads erased, all counterchanged”
YorkYork, c. 1620
Where the Dobbs Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Dobbs arms are recorded
The Dobbs 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 Dobbs 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 Dobbs Family in England
The surname Dobbs originated as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of a male ancestor. Specifically, it is a diminutive form of the name Robert, evolving through the nickname Dob or Dobbe. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Dobbs family were active participants in the social and economic life of this historic northern city. During this period, families often settled in specific regions where they became integrated into local trade guilds or parish communities. The transition from a personal nickname to a permanent family name reflects the common naming customs of medieval and early modern England, where surnames became necessary to distinguish between growing numbers of individuals sharing the same first names.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Robert
A Germanic name meaning bright fame or shining glory.
This name
DobbsA medieval diminutive form of Robert, signifying son of the bright and famous one.
also spelled
Dobbes
Dobbys
Related arms
Dobbesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Registers, 1620
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paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
