A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fitz-Henry family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2307 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a chief az. three lions ramp. or”
EssexEssex, c. 1620
Where the Fitz-Henry Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Fitz-Henry arms are recorded
The Fitz-Henry arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Fitz-Henry 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Fitz-Henry Family in England
The name Fitz-Henry follows a naming tradition that originated in medieval England to show a direct paternal connection. The prefix "Fitz" comes from an old French word meaning son, so the name literally identifies an individual as the son of Henry. While many families adopted fixed surnames during the Middle Ages, those using the Fitz prefix often maintained a link to a specific ancestor rather than a location or trade. By the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Essex. This region was a significant area for agricultural development and trade near London, suggesting that the family had integrated into the local community by 1620. Over time, the name evolved from a descriptive label into a permanent family identity that was passed down through generations of residents in the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. three lions ramp. or, a chief of the last”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Fitz-Henry Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Fitz-Henry arms are recorded
The Fitz-Henry arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Fitz-Henry arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Fitz-Henry Family in Ireland
The name Fitz-Henry is a classic example of a Norman-derived surname that became deeply rooted in the social fabric of Ireland. The prefix "Fitz" comes from the Old French word for son, meaning the name literally translates to son of Henry. While many families with this name arrived during the initial Norman invasion of the twelfth century, the lineage established a firm presence in Dublin by the mid-seventeenth century. By 1645, records indicate that members of the family were active participants in the urban life of the city. During this period, families like the Fitz-Henrys often served as merchants or local administrators who helped manage the trade and legal affairs of the capital. Their transition from military settlers to established city residents reflects the broader trend of Norman families integrating into the Irish landscape over several hundred years.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Henricus
A Germanic name meaning home ruler or ruler of the enclosure.
This name
Fitz-HenryAn Anglo-Norman patronymic surname meaning son of Henry.
also spelled
Fitzhenrie
Fitzhenrey
Fitzhenri
Related arms
Wrayrecorded with Fitz-Henry, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls, 1620
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
