A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fullerton family of England.
Reg. 1818 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
otterOne who lives life to the full
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. a chev. betw. three otters' heads erased gu”
YorkThrybergh Park · York, c. 1620
Where the Fullerton Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fullerton arms are recorded
The Fullerton arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Fullerton 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 York.
Origin & History of the Fullerton Family in England
The surname Fullerton is a locational name that originated in Scotland, specifically derived from the lands of Fullarton in Ayrshire. The name translates to the town of the fowler, referring to a person who caught wild birds for food or sport. By the early 17th century, members of the family had moved across the border into England. Historical records confirm that individuals bearing the Fullerton name were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, families often migrated to growing urban centers to pursue new trade opportunities or to serve in local government positions. These early settlers in York helped define the presence of the family in Northern England, marking a transition from their rural Scottish roots to a life in a bustling English cathedral city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fullerton
Derived from the Old English words for foul or dirty and town.
This name
FullertonRefers to a settlement located near a muddy or marshy stream.
also spelled
Fullarton
Foulerton
Related arms
Foulertonvariant spelling
Fullartonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York. York Diocesan Probate Records
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
otterOne who lives life to the full
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
otterOne who lives life to the full
