A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erby family of England.
Reg. 5429 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
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)
“Ar. a fret and canton sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Erby Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Erby arms are recorded
The Erby 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 England when the Erby 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 Erby Family in England
The family name Erby has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, and families like the Erbys were often part of the local merchant or artisan classes that kept the city running. The name itself likely evolved from a geographical description or a local place name, as was common for surnames developing in Northern England during this period. Life in York at this time was defined by the city’s medieval walls and its proximity to the River Ouse, which provided the family with opportunities for commerce and travel. By establishing themselves in such a prominent urban hub, the early Erbys became part of the long and complex story of Northern English society, contributing to the local economy and the growth of the community over several generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eorlby
A settlement or farmstead belonging to an earl or nobleman.
This name
ErbyDerived from a locational surname referring to a village of the earl.
also spelled
Eerby
Erby
Eirby
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
North Yorkshire County Record Office. York City Archives: Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
