A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Firman family of England.
Reg. 5218 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Barry nebulée of six ar. and az. on a chev. sa. three martlets or, on a chief gu. a lion pass. guard. betw. two anchors erect of the fourth”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Firman Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Firman arms are recorded
The Firman 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 Firman 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 Firman Family in England
The surname Firman is rooted in the occupational traditions of medieval England, where it likely served as a descriptive term for a man who was firm, steady, or reliable in his character. By the early seventeenth century, the name was well-established within the bustling streets of London. Records confirm that members of the Firman family were active participants in the city’s social and economic life by 1620, a period defined by rapid urban growth and the expansion of trade. These early Londoners were often integrated into the city’s guild system or local parishes, contributing to the development of the capital during the reign of King James I. As the family grew, they became part of the fabric of English society, transitioning from their origins as craftsmen or laborers into various professional roles that helped shape the identity of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Firman
Derived from the Old English elements for journey or expedition and man.
This name
FirmanAn occupational name for a traveler, a messenger, or a man who went on journeys.
also spelled
Firman
Fermin
Furmin
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London 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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
