A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Folley family of England.
Reg. 7731 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a chev engr. gu. betw. three martlets az. collared or, as many cinquefoils of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Folley Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Folley arms are recorded
The Folley 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 Folley 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 Folley Family in England
The family name Folley has deep roots in England, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the city of York by the year 1620. The name is generally considered a topographic or habitational surname, likely derived from the Middle English word "folie," which often referred to a piece of land or a specific type of dwelling. During the seventeenth century, families in northern England were often tied to the local wool trade or agricultural guilds, which helped them build stable lives within growing urban centers like York. As the family moved through the generations, they became part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the local economy and community life. By tracing these early residents, we can see how the name evolved from a simple descriptor of a person's home or land into a lasting family identity that persisted through centuries of English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
folie
Old French word meaning madness, folly, or a foolish person.
This name
FolleyA nickname for an eccentric individual or someone considered foolish.
also spelled
Folly
Follie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Kew, 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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cinquefoilHope and joy
