Map of England showing where the Ferrante arms are recorded
The Ferrante 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 Ferrante 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 Ferrante Family in England
The surname Ferrante originates from the Italian word ferrante, which describes the color iron-grey or a horse with a coat resembling polished steel. It is a name that likely began as a nickname for a person with grey hair or perhaps someone who possessed the strength and resilience associated with iron. While the name is deeply rooted in Italian history, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in York, England, by 1620. This suggests that the family was part of the early modern movement of people across Europe, likely traveling for trade, religious reasons, or professional opportunities. By settling in a major northern hub like York, these early ancestors integrated into a society that was rapidly changing during the seventeenth century. Their ability to maintain their identity while adapting to life in England highlights the resilience and mobility of the family during this period.
Ferrante Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Ferrum
Latin word meaning iron or a tool made of iron.
This name
FerranteDerived from a nickname for someone with iron-gray hair or a worker in iron.
also spelled
Ferrand
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
North Yorkshire County Record Office. Quarter Sessions Records. 1620
Smith, Richard. The History of the City of York. 1995
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
