A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ferrar family of England.
Reg. 5120 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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 chev. ar. a canton erm”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Ferrar Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Ferrar arms are recorded
The Ferrar arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Ferrar 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 Ferrar Family in England
The surname Ferrar is rooted in the occupational history of medieval England, as it is derived from the Old French word for an ironworker or blacksmith. By the time the family became established in London during the early seventeenth century, they were already recognized as prominent figures in trade and colonial expansion. In 1620, members of the Ferrar family were deeply involved in the administration of the Virginia Company, which sought to establish permanent settlements in North America. Their home in the city served as a central hub for merchants and explorers who were shaping the future of British maritime commerce. This period marked a time of significant influence for the family, as they balanced their responsibilities in London with the complex logistical challenges of supporting a distant colony. Through their work in finance and governance, the Ferrars helped bridge the gap between the bustling markets of the capital and the emerging world across the Atlantic.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ferrum
Latin word meaning iron or a tool made of iron.
This name
FerrarAn occupational surname for a blacksmith or a worker in iron.
also spelled
Ferrer
Farrar
Farrer
Related arms
Farrarvariant spelling
Farrervariant spelling
Ferrervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ferrar, John, The Ferrar Papers, 1966
Kingsbury, Susan Myra, The Records of the Virginia Company of London, 1906
The National Archives, Kew, Colonial Office: Virginia Company records, CO 1
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
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
