A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Filbert family of England.
Reg. 9587 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert three birds ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Filbert Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Filbert arms are recorded
The Filbert 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 Filbert 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 Filbert Family in England
The surname Filbert traces its roots to the Germanic name Filibert, which combines the words for "much" and "bright." This name became popular across Europe during the Middle Ages because it was associated with Saint Philibert, a famous seventh-century monk. By the time the family appeared in the historical records of York in 1620, the name had evolved into a distinct surname used to identify specific households. Families living in York during this period were often part of a bustling trade hub, and those bearing the name Filbert likely participated in the city’s thriving merchant or craft industries. As the family established their presence in Northern England, they became part of the local social fabric, leaving behind traces in parish registers and legal documents that confirm their long-standing residence in the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Filibertus
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright and famous.
This name
FilbertA surname originating from a personal name signifying one who is brilliantly famous.
also spelled
Filberd
Philbert
Fylbert
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 Records: Parish Registers of York, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
