Map of England showing where the Fulcher arms are recorded
The Fulcher arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Fulcher 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 Fulcher Family in England
The surname Fulcher originates from the ancient Germanic personal name Fulcherius, which combines the elements for "people" and "army." This name became popular in England following the Norman Conquest, as it was brought over by settlers who favored names with strong martial meanings. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the town of Derby. Records confirm that members of the Fulcher family were living and working in this region by 1620, likely participating in the local trade and craft industries that defined the area during that period. Over time, the name evolved from a first name into a hereditary surname, marking the transition of the family from individual settlers into a settled lineage within the English Midlands.
Fulcher Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Folchard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning people and brave or hardy.
This name
FulcherA surname originating from a personal name signifying a brave protector of the people.
also spelled
Fulchar
Fulsher
Foulcher
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, 1991
Hanks, Patrick, Dictionary of American Family Names, 2003
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St Alkmund Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
