A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fabian family of England.
Reg. 4997 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. three fleurs-de-lis, a bordure engr. gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fabian Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fabian arms are recorded
The Fabian 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 Fabian 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 Fabian Family in England
The surname Fabian traces its roots back to the ancient Roman name Fabianus, which was derived from the Latin word faba, meaning bean. Over many centuries, the name spread across Europe as it was adopted by various cultures and eventually became a common family name in England. By the early 17th century, members of the Fabian family were well-established in the historic city of York. Living in a major northern hub like York suggests that early ancestors were likely involved in the city’s vibrant trade, craft, or religious life during the reign of King James I. These early residents were part of a growing urban population that helped shape the social and economic character of the region during a period of significant transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fabius
A Roman family name derived from the Latin word for bean.
This name
FabianA name signifying a bean grower or someone belonging to the Fabius clan.
also spelled
Fabien
Fabyan
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York, Archbishop of York’s Diocesan Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
