A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fairweather family of England.
Reg. 8025 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a chev. betw. three mullets in chief ar. and the sun in base or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fairweather Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fairweather arms are recorded
The Fairweather 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 Fairweather 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 Fairweather Family in England
The surname Fairweather is an English occupational or descriptive name that likely originated as a nickname for a person with a pleasant or sunny disposition. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Fairweather family were living there by 1620, a time when York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity in Northern England. These early residents were part of the growing urban middle class, often working as skilled tradespeople or merchants. Their presence in the city during this era suggests they were well-integrated into the local community, participating in the civic and social life of one of England’s most significant northern hubs.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fager wedere
Old English for beautiful or pleasant weather conditions.
This name
FairweatherA descriptive nickname for a person with a cheerful or sunny disposition.
also spelled
Faireweather
Fairwether
Fairewether
Related arms
Fayreweathervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
