A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fowke family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1896 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 fleur-de-lis ar. on a chief indented of the last a lion pass. gu”
Englandc. 1580
Where the Fowke Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fowke arms are recorded
The Fowke arms were recorded in England, c. 1580.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Fowke 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 Fowke Family in England
The surname Fowke is rooted in the Old English and Germanic naming traditions, likely evolving from the personal name Fulk, which means people or folk. By the time the family established a documented presence in York around 1580, the name had become a stable hereditary surname used to identify specific households within the growing urban centers of Northern England. During the late sixteenth century, York was a vital hub for trade and administration, and families like the Fowkes often integrated into the local merchant classes or the professional ranks of the city. As the family settled into this environment, they participated in the social and economic shifts of the Elizabethan era, moving away from the rural origins of their ancestors to take part in the civic life of one of England’s most historic cities. This transition reflects the broader movement of families during the period as they sought new opportunities in the expanding towns and cities of the realm.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert a fleur-de-lis or, betw. three escallops ar”
DublinDublin, c. 1660
Where the Fowke Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Fowke arms are recorded
The Fowke arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1660.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Fowke 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Fowke Family in Ireland
The Fowke family established a notable presence in Ireland by the middle of the seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin by 1660. The name itself is of English origin, likely derived from the Middle English word for a bird, and it arrived in Ireland during a period of significant political and social transition. As settlers in the capital city, members of the family were often involved in the administrative and commercial life of a country undergoing rapid change under the Restoration government. While many families of that era were defined by their landholdings, the Fowkes in Dublin were frequently associated with the professional classes and urban development. Their early history in Ireland reflects the broader movement of people across the Irish Sea who helped shape the economic landscape of Dublin during the late seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fulco
A Germanic name derived from the word for folk or people.
This name
FowkeA nickname or baptismal name originating from the Germanic element meaning people or tribe.
also spelled
Foulke
Foulkes
Related arms
Foulkevariant spelling
Foulkesvariant spelling
Ashleyrecorded with Fowke, same area
Woolastonrecorded with Fowke, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains’ Accounts, 1580
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
