Map of England showing where the Libby arms are recorded
The Libby arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 Libby 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 England.
Origin & History of the Libby Family in England
The history of the Libby family in America begins with John Libby, who arrived in the Maine territory around 1630. While some records suggest he may have been present in the region as early as 1620, he is officially documented as one of the first settlers of Black Point in what is now Scarborough. John Libby was a fisherman and a farmer who helped establish a permanent foothold in a rugged, dangerous wilderness. His descendants became deeply woven into the fabric of coastal Maine, often serving as local leaders and soldiers during the colonial wars. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the name Elizabeth or a nickname derived from early English naming traditions. Over the centuries, the family grew into a large and influential clan that played a significant role in the development of New England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Elizabeth
My God is an oath or my God is abundance.
This name
LibbyA diminutive form of a Hebrew name meaning pledged to God.
also spelled
Libbie
Libbey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Libby, Charles Thornton. The Libby Family in America, 1602-1881. 1882
Maine Historical Society. York Deeds. 1887
Stackpole, Everett S. Old Kittery and Her Families. 1903
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
