A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Frobisher family of England.
Reg. 2538 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Erm. on a fesse engr. az. betw. three griffins' heads erased sa. a greyhound courant ar”
DevonDevon, c. 1620
Where the Frobisher Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Frobisher arms are recorded
The Frobisher arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Frobisher 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Frobisher Family in England
The surname Frobisher is believed to have originated as an occupational name for a polisher of armor or metal, derived from the Middle English word "furbisshen." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon, particularly around the year 1620. During this period, families in the region were often tied to the local maritime and trade industries that defined the southwestern coast of England. While the name is famously associated with the explorer Martin Frobisher, who hailed from Yorkshire, the Devon branch suggests that the family name had spread across different parts of the country through migration and the pursuit of new economic opportunities. These early members lived during a time of significant social change, contributing to the local community life and the developing economy of the West Country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
furbissour
An Old French term for a polisher or furbisher of metal.
This name
FrobisherAn occupational surname for a person who polished, sharpened, or repaired swords and armor.
also spelled
Frobysher
Frobyshare
Related arms
Forbeshersimilar arms
Frobyfarsimilar arms
Furbushersimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
