A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fitz-Simon family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8056 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. on a fess betw. three crescents ar. as many estoiles az”
Irelandc. 1595
Where the Fitz-Simon Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Fitz-Simon arms are recorded
The Fitz-Simon arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1595.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Fitz-Simon 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-Simon Family in Ireland
The name Fitz-Simon arrived in Ireland during the period of the Anglo-Norman expansion, as the prefix "Fitz" indicates a son of a Norman father. By the late sixteenth century, the family had firmly established itself within the social and political structure of Dublin. Records from 1595 confirm that members of the family were active residents of the city, often participating in the local government and merchant classes that defined the Pale. During this era, the Fitz-Simons were recognized as part of the Old English community, a group that maintained strong ties to their Norman heritage while becoming deeply integrated into Irish life. Their presence in Dublin during this time suggests they were influential figures who navigated the complex religious and political shifts of the Elizabethan period. Over time, the family became a fixture of the urban landscape, contributing to the administrative and economic development of the capital city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a lion ramp. erm. (another, with a label of four points gu.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fitz-Simon Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fitz-Simon arms are recorded
The Fitz-Simon 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 Ireland when the Fitz-Simon 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 Fitz-Simon Family in England
The name Fitz-Simon follows a naming tradition that originated in the period following the Norman Conquest of England. The prefix "Fitz" is derived from the Old French word "fils," which means son. When combined with the name Simon, it identified the family as the descendants of a man named Simon. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this historic northern hub during a time of significant social and economic change. During this era, families in York often played active roles in the local merchant guilds and civic life. The survival of the name in the city's parish registers and local administrative documents provides a clear link to the family's long-standing roots in the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Filius
Latin term meaning son or offspring.
This name
Fitz-SimonRefers to the son of Simon, a name derived from the Hebrew meaning he has heard.
also spelled
Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimond
Fitzsymon
Related arms
Fitz-Simmonsvariant spelling
Fitz-Symonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Curtis, Edmund. A History of Medieval Ireland. 1923
McLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
National Archives of Ireland. Fiants of the Tudor Sovereigns. 1595
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
lionCourage, strength and royalty
