A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harbin family of England.
Reg. 6143 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a saltire voided betw. four cronels or”
SomersetSomerset, c. 1618
Where the Harbin Arms Were Recorded
Somerset
Map of England showing where the Harbin arms are recorded
The Harbin arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1618.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 Harbin 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Harbin Family in England
The family name Harbin traces its roots back to the southwestern region of England, with a well-documented presence in the county of Somerset by 1618. During this period, the family established itself as a prominent part of the local community, particularly in areas near Yeovil. Historical records indicate that members of the Harbin family were active as landowners and held positions of influence within the local government and church administration. The name itself likely originated as a variation of a personal name, evolving through regional dialects as families settled into specific parishes. By the early seventeenth century, the Harbins had become deeply integrated into the social and economic life of Somerset, leaving behind a legacy of public service and land management that persisted for many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heardbeorht
Derived from Old English elements meaning brave or hardy and bright.
This name
HarbinA locational surname referring to people from the town of Harbin in England.
also spelled
Harbyn
Harben
Harbinne
Related arms
Harbynvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bates, E. H., Somersetshire Parochial Documents, 1900
Somerset Archives, Quarter Sessions Records, 1618
Weaver, F. W., Somerset Incumbents, 1889
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lanceKnightly service and the tilt
