A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Finamore family of England.
Reg. 4298 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. two chev. gu”
WiltsWhetham House · Wilts, c. 1620
Where the Finamore Arms Were Recorded
Wilts
Map of England showing where the Finamore arms are recorded
The Finamore arms were recorded in Wilts, c. 1620.
Wiltshire was sheep country, and wool made money steadily for hundreds of years. Families who made it bought manors on the downs, and holding a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Finamore 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 Wilts.
Origin & History of the Finamore Family in England
The name Finamore has roots that stretch back to medieval Europe, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname. In Italian, the name translates to "fine love," which suggests that early ancestors may have been known for their courtly manners, romantic nature, or perhaps their involvement in local poetry and song. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established a presence in the English county of Wiltshire. Records show that by 1620, the family was well-integrated into the local community, living as part of the agricultural and social fabric of the region. While the name began with Mediterranean roots, the family successfully adapted to life in rural England, where they remained for generations as part of the evolving landscape of the British Isles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fin amor
Derived from Old French words meaning fine or refined love.
This name
FinamoreA nickname for a person who was considered a refined or courtly lover.
also spelled
Fynamore
Finnamoure
Fynamour
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Parish Registers, 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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
