Map of England showing where the Fadden arms are recorded
The Fadden 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 Fadden 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 Fadden Family in England
The family name Fadden is rooted in the linguistic history of the British Isles, often associated with the Gaelic name Ó Feadáin, which translates to a descendant of the musician or the whistler. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established a presence in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, attracting families from various regions who sought new opportunities in the urban center. The presence of the Fadden name in local records from 1620 suggests that these early ancestors were integrated into the social and economic life of the city during the reign of King James I. As the family settled into this environment, they likely participated in the local guilds or trades that defined the city’s character, marking the beginning of their long-standing history in the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fáedán
An Irish diminutive form meaning little storyteller or little poet.
This name
FaddenA patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic personal name Fáedán, signifying descendant of the little storyteller.
also spelled
Fadin
Fadon
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
