Map of England showing where the Drebin arms are recorded
The Drebin arms were recorded in Bristol, c. 1620.
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 Drebin 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 Drebin Family in England
The history of the Drebin name is deeply rooted in the maritime and mercantile culture of Bristol, England, where the family was documented as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, Bristol served as a major hub for international trade and colonial expansion, and families like the Drebins were often involved in the city’s bustling port activities. The name itself likely evolved from local occupational or topographical roots common in the West Country, reflecting the linguistic shifts typical of the era. As members of the rising merchant class, early Drebins were part of a society that valued craftsmanship and trade connections, which allowed them to establish a firm foothold in the region. By settling in such a vital economic center, the family became part of the fabric of English history during a time of significant social and global change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dreb
A Middle English term referring to a person who is clever or cunning.
This name
DrebinAn occupational or descriptive surname denoting an individual known for their sharp wit or shrewdness.
also spelled
Durbyn
Durben
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bristol Archives, Records of the Bristol Apprenticeship Indentures, 1620
Latimer, John, The History of the Society of Merchant Venturers of the City of Bristol, 1903
Vanes, Jean, The Ledger of John Smythe, 1538-1550, 1974
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
