Map of England showing where the Hobson arms are recorded
The Hobson arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Hobson 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Hobson Family in England
The surname Hobson originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the first name of a father. Specifically, it is a combination of the nickname Hob, a common medieval variation of Robert, and the suffix son. This identifies the original bearers as the sons of a man named Robert. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Lincoln. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hobson family were active in this region during a time of significant social and political change in England. As the name spread through different parishes, it became a common way to distinguish families within the local community based on their ancestral roots.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hobb
A medieval pet form of the name Robert meaning bright fame.
This name
HobsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Hobb or son of Robert.
also spelled
Hobsun
Related arms
Ashtonrecorded with Hobson, same area
Dyerrecorded with Hobson, same area
Evingtonrecorded with Hobson, same area
Gamlynrecorded with Hobson, same area
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
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln Consistory Court Wills, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cinquefoilHope and joy
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
cinquefoilHope and joy
