A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Francais family of England.
Reg. 6669 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. gu. betw. three eagles displ. sa”
DerbyForemark · Derby, c. 1360
Where the Francais Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Francais arms are recorded
The Francais arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1360.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in England when the Francais 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Francais Family in England
The surname Francais carries a rich history that reflects the movement of people across medieval Europe. By the year 1360, records confirm that members of the family were already established in the English town of Derby. During this period, the name functioned as a descriptive label used to identify individuals who had arrived from France or who maintained strong cultural ties to that region. Because surnames were often adopted based on a person’s origin or trade, the name served as a practical way for neighbors to distinguish one family from another in a growing market town. Over time, this identifier transitioned from a simple nickname into a formal family name that was passed down through generations. This early presence in Derby suggests that the family was part of the diverse social fabric of the fourteenth century, contributing to the local community as England continued to develop its unique legal and social structures.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Francus
A Latin term denoting a member of the Frankish tribe.
This name
FrancaisRefers to a person of French origin or someone who came from France.
also spelled
Franceys
Francais
Francey
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
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby Borough Records, D2375
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
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
