Map of England showing where the Franey arms are recorded
The Franey arms were recorded in Hereford, c. 1758.
Herefordshire lay on the Welsh border, where land was held in return for military service. Families there were expected to arm and to fight, and a fighting household needed a shield it could be known by.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in England when the Franey 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 Hereford.
Origin & History of the Franey Family in England
The family name Franey has deep roots tied to the English county of Hereford, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1758. The name is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname or a locational identifier, which was common practice in medieval England when surnames were first becoming permanent. During the eighteenth century, families in this region were often involved in local agriculture or skilled trades, which allowed them to establish a stable presence in their communities. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the Hereford area, contributing to the local economy and parish life. By tracing their history back to this period, we can see a family that maintained a consistent connection to their home region for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Francus
A term referring to a free man or a Frankish person.
This name
FraneyA topographical or habitational name denoting someone who lived near a specific field or clearing.
also spelled
Furnie
Furnay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
