A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ferman family of England.
Reg. 7074 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Barry wavy of ten ar. and az. on a chev. sa. three martlets of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Ferman Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ferman arms are recorded
The Ferman 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 Ferman 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 Ferman Family in England
The surname Ferman has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm family members were established by at least 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with individuals who worked as skilled laborers or tradespeople within the city walls. The name itself is thought to be an occupational or descriptive surname, likely derived from the Middle English word for a man who served or worked for others. As York was a major hub for commerce and religious life in the seventeenth century, families like the Fermans were often part of the growing merchant class that helped shape the local economy. Over time, the family name spread from these urban centers into the surrounding countryside, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and social change seen throughout Northern England during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Firmus
Latin word meaning steadfast, firm, or reliable.
This name
FermanA locational or occupational surname denoting a person who is strong, resolute, or dependable.
also spelled
Fermain
Fermon
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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
