Map of England showing where the Francisco arms are recorded
The Francisco arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1500.
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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in England when the Francisco 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 Francisco Family in England
The history of the Francisco name in England begins with its roots as a descriptive surname, likely brought to the country by travelers or merchants from the continent during the late medieval period. By the year 1500, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in the town of Derby. At this time, Derby was a growing market center, and families like the Franciscos often settled in such hubs to engage in trade or specialized crafts. Because the name is derived from the Latin *Franciscus*, meaning a Frenchman or a free man, it suggests that the earliest ancestors in England may have been identified by their foreign origins or their status as independent citizens. Over the following decades, these early settlers integrated into the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who contributed to the social and economic fabric of the East Midlands.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
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)
“Ar. on a chev. betw. three eagles displ. gu. as many trefoils of the field”
Walesc. 1647
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Map of Wales showing where the Francisco arms are recorded
The Francisco arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Francisco arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Francisco Family in Wales
The history of the Francisco name in Wales is deeply rooted in the social landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name itself is of continental origin, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the market town of Denbigh by 1647. During this era, Denbigh was a significant center for trade and local government, serving as a hub where families of diverse backgrounds settled to participate in the growing economy of North Wales. The presence of the Francisco family in this specific region suggests they were likely integrated into the local community through commerce or landholding. By living in a town defined by its medieval castle and strategic location, these early family members navigated a period of intense political change in Britain. Their documented residency in 1647 provides a clear anchor point for understanding how the family established a foothold in Welsh society during a time of national transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per bend sa. and or, a lion ramp. counterchanged”
Irelandc. 1656
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Map of Ireland showing where the Francisco arms are recorded
The Francisco arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1656.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Francisco Family in Ireland
The name Francisco first appeared in the historical record of Dublin in 1656, marking a distinct presence during a period of significant social and political transition in Ireland. While the name is widely recognized for its roots in Southern Europe, its arrival in Dublin suggests that early bearers were likely part of the growing network of merchants and skilled laborers who moved between continental ports and Irish cities. These early family members settled into the urban environment of seventeenth-century Dublin, navigating a landscape defined by trade guilds and shifting administrative powers. By establishing themselves in the capital, they became part of the city’s diverse demographic fabric, contributing to the local economy and the evolving cultural identity of the region. This early foothold serves as a testament to the mobility of individuals during the mid-seventeenth century, showing how a name could travel across borders and find a permanent place within the history of an Irish city.
Francisco Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Franciscus
A Latin term meaning a member of the Frankish tribe.
This name
FranciscoDerived from the Latin name meaning a Frenchman or a free man.
also spelled
Frances
Francys
Francess
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
Cox, J. Charles, Memorials of Old Derbyshire, 1907
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby Borough Records (D200)
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
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
lionCourage, strength and royalty
