A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Figg family of England.
Reg. 2492 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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)
“Ar. on a fesse betw. three annulets sa. as many mullets pierced of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Figg Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Figg arms are recorded
The Figg 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 Figg 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 Figg Family in England
The surname Figg is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely derived from the Middle English word "figge," which referred to the fruit. In medieval times, such names were often given to people who sold fruit or perhaps to those who had a particularly sweet personality. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Figg family were living in this northern hub by 1620, a time when York was a bustling center of trade and religious life. These early ancestors were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the local economy and community life during the reign of King James I. Their presence in such an important city suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the region long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ficus
Latin term for the fig tree or its fruit.
This name
FiggAn occupational name for a grower or seller of figs.
also spelled
Phigg
Fygg
Related arms
Foogesimilar arms
Brownerecorded with Figg, same area
Edmondsrecorded with Figg, same area
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, Archbishop of York’s Diocesan Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
