A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Erwin family of Britain.
Reg. 5349 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hollyTruth, and protection through winter
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à la fasce de gu., acc. de trois feuilles de houx de sin., les tiges en bas. C.: un bras, arm. au nat., la main de carn. tenant un chardon au nat. D.: DUM MEMOR IPSE MEI.”
Britainc. 1700
Where the Erwin Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Erwin arms are recorded
The Erwin arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Erwin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Erwin Family in Britain
The family name Erwin has roots that stretch back to the ancient Germanic and Old English naming traditions. It is derived from the Old English name Eoforwine, which combines the words for boar and friend. This name was common among early settlers in Britain, as it suggested a person who possessed the strength and courage of a wild boar. By the time members of the family were documented in Kent in the year 1700, the name had evolved through various spellings based on local dialects and regional pronunciations. Families living in Kent during this period were often part of a growing class of tradespeople and farmers who helped shape the local economy. Because the name was passed down orally for generations, it reflects a long history of migration and social development across the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Eoforwine
Derived from Old English elements meaning boar and friend.
This name
ErwinA name signifying a loyal friend who possesses the strength or ferocity of a wild boar.
also spelled
Irwin
Irwyn
Erwin
Irving
Irvin
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Hanks, Patrick, Dictionary of American Family Names, 2003
The National Archives, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills and other probate records, 1384–1858
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
hollyTruth, and protection through winter
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hollyTruth, and protection through winter
