A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ferby family of England.
Reg. 5805 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a fesse erm. betw. three goats' heads erased ar”
KentPaul's Cray · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Ferby Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Ferby arms are recorded
The Ferby arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Ferby 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Ferby Family in England
The family name Ferby has deep roots in the county of Kent, where records confirm members of the family were established by the early seventeenth century. During this period, Kent was a bustling region shaped by its proximity to London and its role as a gateway for trade and travel. Families living in this area often worked in agriculture, local crafts, or maritime industries that supported the nearby coastal ports. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots, possibly reflecting a connection to a specific location or a descriptive trait common in the medieval period. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the development of the Kentish countryside and participating in the daily life of their parish communities. By the year 1620, the Ferby name was already well-integrated into the regional history, marking the beginning of a long presence in the area that would span many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fereby
A settlement or village located near a ferry crossing.
This name
FerbyDerived from a locational surname referring to individuals from Ferriby in Yorkshire.
also spelled
Fereby
Ferbie
Related arms
Ferebyvariant spelling
Gellibrandrecorded with Ferby, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1797
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
