Map of England showing where the Mabus arms are recorded
The Mabus arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind 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 Mabus 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Mabus Family in England
The Mabus family name has deep roots in the English county of Norfolk, where records confirm members of the family were living by the year 1620. During this period, Norfolk was a bustling region known for its strong ties to the wool trade and its proximity to the North Sea, which influenced the daily lives of those settling there. The name itself likely evolved from older linguistic roots common to the East Anglian region, reflecting the way surnames were often formed from nicknames or descriptions of a person’s character or trade. As the family established itself in the local community, they became part of the social fabric of rural England during a time of significant transition. By the early 17th century, the Mabus family was already well-integrated into the parish life of the area, participating in the local traditions and agricultural economy that defined life in Norfolk for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mab
A diminutive or pet form of the name Mabel or Amabel.
This name
MabusA patronymic surname derived from the son of Mab, meaning lovable or dear.
also spelled
Mabbes
Mabbis
Mabbe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Norfolk Record Office, Parish registers for the Diocese of Norwich, 1620
Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk, 1885
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
cross symbolChristian faith and service
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
