A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Farrand family of England.
Reg. 8064 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
vairProtection, and the winter fur
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
VairMeans: Protection
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 chief gu. two crosses patonce vair”
SurreyMitcham · Surrey, c. 1586
Where the Farrand Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Farrand arms are recorded
The Farrand arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1586.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Farrand 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Farrand Family in England
The surname Farrand is believed to have originated from the Old French word ferrant, which was a term used to describe a horse with an iron-gray coat or a person with a particularly strong, iron-like constitution. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a clear presence in the county of Surrey, England, where records confirm their residence as early as 1586. During this period, the name was often associated with families of modest means who worked as farmers or tradespeople within the local rural communities. As the family grew, members began to spread across southern England, maintaining their connection to the land while slowly integrating into the evolving social structures of the Elizabethan era. This early history reflects a typical pattern of migration and settlement for families of that time, as they moved from small village life toward broader regional influence.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ferrant
Old French term meaning iron-grey or iron-colored.
This name
FarrandA nickname for someone with iron-grey hair or a stern, iron-like disposition.
also spelled
Farrand
Farrent
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
Surrey History Centre, Parish Register Transcripts for Surrey, 1586
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cross symbolChristian faith and service
