A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Faith family of England.
Reg. 8123 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
ermineDignity and rank
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
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. on a saltire engr. sa. five plates, on each an erm. spot”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Faith Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Faith arms are recorded
The Faith 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 Faith 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 Faith Family in England
The surname Faith originates from the medieval period in England as a descriptive nickname or a name reflecting personal piety. During the Middle Ages, it was common for individuals to be identified by their virtues or religious devotion, and the name likely began as a way to distinguish a person known for their steadfast character. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Faith family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a vital center for trade and administration in Northern England. These early ancestors were part of a growing urban population that helped shape the local community during the reign of King James I. Their presence in such a significant city suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social and economic life of the period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fides
Latin term meaning trust, confidence, reliance, or belief.
This name
FaithA virtue name representing religious conviction, loyalty, and trustworthiness.
also spelled
Fayth
Faythe
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, P.H., 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.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
ermineDignity and rank
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
ermineDignity and rank
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
