A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dobson family of England.
Reg. 3260 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a fesse nebulée betw. six fleurs-de-lis gu”
NorfolkLynn · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Dobson Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Dobson arms are recorded
The Dobson arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Dobson 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Dobson Family in England
The name Dobson is a patronymic surname, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of someone named Dob. During the Middle Ages, Dob was a common nickname for the name Robert. As surnames became more popular in England, families began using these names to distinguish themselves within their local communities. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Dobson family were well-established in the county of Norfolk. During this period, many families in Norfolk were involved in agriculture or local trade, contributing to the growth of the region. The family name reflects a long history of naming traditions that helped people keep track of their ancestry and family connections in early modern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dobb
A medieval pet form of the Germanic name Robert meaning bright fame.
This name
DobsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Dob or son of Robert.
also spelled
Dobbeson
Dobsonne
Related arms
Bramhallrecorded with Dobson, same area
Tetleyrecorded with Dobson, same area
Thylyrecorded with Dobson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts, 1600–1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
