A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fewtrell family of England.
Reg. 1564 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per chev. ar. and sa. three mullets counterchanged, on a chief of the second as many leopards' faces of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fewtrell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fewtrell arms are recorded
The Fewtrell 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 Fewtrell 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 Fewtrell Family in England
The surname Fewtrell is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Old French word "foutre," which was historically used to describe a person of bold or spirited character. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York, where records confirm members were living by 1620. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious administration, and families like the Fewtrells often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. As the name spread from northern England, it evolved through various spellings in parish registers and legal documents, reflecting the way names were recorded phonetically by local clerks. This early history suggests the family was part of the growing urban population that helped shape the social and economic life of northern English cities during the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Futerel
Old French term for a wild or unruly person.
This name
FewtrellA nickname for a lively, energetic, or perhaps mischievous individual.
also spelled
Fewtrellwylde
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
