A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fountain family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5979 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a bend or, in the sinister chief a cinquefoil ar. (another, erm.)”
EssexEssex, c. 1619
Where the Fountain Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Fountain arms are recorded
The Fountain arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1619.
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 Fountain 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 Fountain Family in England
The surname Fountain is a topographic name, which means it was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent natural feature, such as a spring or a well. In Old French, the word *fontaine* referred to a source of water, and this term was brought to England following the Norman Conquest. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the family were living in this region during a time of significant social and agricultural change. As the name became more common, it evolved from a simple description of a person’s home into a permanent family identifier that was passed down through generations. This transition reflects the broader history of English naming customs, where geographic locations often dictated how families were known within their local communities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. on a fesse az. three bezants”
ScotlandLoch Hill, c. 1748
Where the Fountain Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Fountain arms are recorded
The Fountain arms were recorded in Loch Hill, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Fountain arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
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.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Fountain Family in Scotland
The surname Fountain has deep roots in Scotland, where it emerged as a topographical name for families living near a natural spring or a stone water basin. By the mid-eighteenth century, the name was firmly established in the bustling city of Edinburgh. Records from 1748 show that members of the Fountain family were active participants in the social and professional life of the Scottish capital during a period of significant urban growth. These early settlers were often associated with the skilled trades and merchant classes that helped shape the city’s economy. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Edinburgh, contributing to the development of the city as it transitioned into the modern era. Their presence in the historical records of the time highlights their integration into the community and their role in the daily life of eighteenth-century Scotland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fons
Latin term meaning a spring, source, or fountain of water.
This name
FountainA topographic name for someone who lived near a natural spring or fountain.
also spelled
Fontaine
Fountayn
Related arms
Fontainevariant spelling
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, 1619
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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
