A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fitzell family of England.
Reg. 4303 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a bend betw. six fleurs-de-lis ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fitzell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fitzell arms are recorded
The Fitzell 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 Fitzell 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 Fitzell Family in England
The surname Fitzell is a patronymic name, which means it was originally formed by adding a prefix to the father’s given name to signify descent. In the case of this family, the prefix "Fitz" comes from the Old French word for son, suggesting that the name likely originated from a family line established during the period of Norman influence in the British Isles. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Fitzell family were well-established residents of York. During this era, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families living there were often involved in the city’s growing merchant guilds or local administration. As the family put down roots in this northern English city, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the community through their work and daily lives long before the name spread to other regions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Filius
Latin term meaning son or offspring.
This name
FitzellDerived from the Anglo-Norman prefix fitz meaning son of and a personal name.
also spelled
Fitzelice
Fitzelys
Fitzell
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
