Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à trois feuilles de laurier de sin., les tiges en bas.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Foulis family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. à trois feuilles de laurier de sin., les tiges en bas.”
The Foulis arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1661.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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.
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.
The surname Foulis is deeply connected to the history of the British Isles, with its roots tracing back to early settlements in Scotland before spreading southward into England. While the name is often associated with the lands of Foulis in Perthshire, by the mid-seventeenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in the county of Kent. Records from 1661 confirm that individuals bearing this name were active in the region during a time of significant political and social transition following the restoration of the monarchy. These early settlers likely moved as part of the broader migration patterns of the era, seeking new opportunities in the agricultural and administrative hubs of southern England. The family name evolved alongside these movements, reflecting the transition of a lineage from its northern origins to its integration into the local communities of Kent.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Ar. three laurel leaves slipped vert”
The Foulis arms were recorded in Edinburgh, c. 1634.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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.
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
The Foulis family name has deep roots in the history of Scotland, appearing in official records as early as the seventeenth century. By 1634, members of the family were well-established in Edinburgh, where they participated in the professional and social life of the capital city. The name itself is thought to be territorial in origin, likely derived from lands in Perthshire or East Lothian, which was a common way for families to identify themselves during the Middle Ages. As the family grew, they became closely linked to the legal and administrative circles of Scotland, often serving in roles that required them to document the shifting political landscape of the time. Their presence in Edinburgh during the 1630s suggests that they were part of the rising class of merchants and officials who helped shape the city during a period of significant national change. Through these early connections, the Foulis name became a recognized part of the Scottish historical narrative, reflecting the broader movement of families from rural estates into the growing urban centers of the country.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Ar. three laurel leaves erect ppr”
The Foulis arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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.
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.
The Foulis family name has deep roots that connect the northern regions of England to the broader history of the British Isles. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, the family became deeply integrated into the local governance and social life of Yorkshire. They were known for their involvement in public service and their ability to rise within the ranks of the English gentry. By settling in York, the family transitioned from their earlier ancestral ties to become influential figures in the political and economic landscape of northern England. Their presence in the city during the early seventeenth century highlights a time when families frequently moved across borders to seek new opportunities in trade and administration.
Old French term for a foolish or mad person.


