A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Firmin family of England.
Reg. 8819 · 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 Firmin Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Firmin arms are recorded
The Firmin 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 Firmin 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 Firmin Family in England
The surname Firmin traces its roots back to the Latin name Firmus, which carries the meaning of steadfast or strong. By the time the family was established in London during the early 17th century, the name had evolved from its ancient origins into a recognized English patronymic. Historical records confirm that members of the Firmin family were active participants in London life by 1620, a period defined by rapid urban growth and significant social change. During this era, families with this name were often integrated into the city’s trade guilds and merchant classes, which helped them secure a stable foothold in the capital. As the family grew, they became part of the fabric of London society, contributing to the professional and civic development of the city throughout the 1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Firmus
A Latin term meaning steadfast, firm, or reliable.
This name
FirminDerived from the Latin personal name Firminus, signifying a steadfast or resolute individual.
also spelled
Firman
Fermin
Furmin
Related arms
Farmersame arms
Farmoursame arms
Ferminvariant spelling
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 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
