A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Forty family of England.
Reg. 6908 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Or, a fesse embattled az. betw. three mullets gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Forty Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Forty arms are recorded
The Forty 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 Forty 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 Forty Family in England
The surname Forty is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive nickname or a locational identifier. In medieval naming conventions, names often evolved from specific traits, occupations, or the places where families lived. While the exact roots remain a subject of study, the presence of the Forty family in York by 1620 suggests they were well-established in northern England during the early seventeenth century. During this period, York was a significant center for trade and administration, providing a stable environment for families to grow and document their lives through parish registers and local legal records. As the family settled into the region, they became part of the social fabric of the city, contributing to the local community as merchants, tradespeople, or landowners. This long history in York reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the development of English towns throughout the late Renaissance and early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fortis
Latin term meaning strong, brave, or steadfast.
This name
FortyA topographical name for someone living near a landmark associated with the number forty or a fortieth part of land.
also spelled
Fortie
Fortey
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for the County of York, 1620
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
