A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fermin family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8323 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'or au chev. d'azur, acc. de trois houssettes de sa.”
FlandreFlandre, c. 1663
Where the Fermin Arms Were Recorded
Flandre
Map of France showing where the Fermin arms are recorded
The Fermin arms were recorded in Flandre, c. 1663.
Flandre grew rich on cloth, and its towns were among the busiest in Europe. Merchant families bought land with their profits and took arms to go with it, so trade put as many names in the registers here as land did.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Fermin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Flandre.
Origin & History of the Fermin Family in France
The family name Fermin finds its roots in the linguistic and social landscape of northern France, particularly within the historic region of Flanders. By the mid-seventeenth century, records confirm that individuals bearing this name were established in the Flemish territories by 1663. The name itself is derived from the Latin term *firmus*, which translates to steadfast or resolute, suggesting that it was originally used as a descriptor for a person’s character or moral strength. During this era, families in Flanders often lived in a complex borderland where French and Dutch cultural influences merged. As the family settled into these communities, they became part of the local fabric of artisans and landowners who navigated the shifting political boundaries of the French monarchy. This early presence in Flanders marks the beginning of the family’s documented history, reflecting a legacy of stability and endurance that defined their identity in the region for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a cross engr. gu. on a chief of the last a lion pass. guard. or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fermin Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fermin arms are recorded
The Fermin 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 France when the Fermin 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 Fermin Family in England
The family name Fermin has roots that stretch back to the medieval period, evolving from the Latin name Firminus, which means firm or steadfast. By the early 17th century, the name had established a presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the family were living there by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this era, families with the name Fermin were often integrated into the local urban economy, likely working as skilled tradespeople or merchants who helped shape the city’s character. As they navigated life in a bustling cathedral city, the Fermins contributed to the social fabric of Yorkshire, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the steady and enduring nature of their name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Firmus
Latin term meaning steadfast, firm, or constant.
This name
FerminDerived from the Latin name Firminus, signifying a steadfast or resolute individual.
also spelled
Fermyn
Fermine
Fermyne
Related arms
Firminvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales du Nord, Série G: Clergé séculier, 1663
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
