Map of England showing where the Oberti arms are recorded
The Oberti 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 Oberti 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 Oberti Family in England
The surname Oberti carries deep roots that trace back to the medieval period in Northern Italy, where it evolved from the Germanic name Otbert. This name is composed of two distinct elements meaning wealth and bright, which suggests that early ancestors were likely viewed as prosperous or illustrious figures within their communities. While the name is firmly anchored in Italian history, the presence of the family in York by 1620 indicates that they were part of the early waves of continental migration to England. During this era, individuals often moved across borders for trade, religious freedom, or professional opportunities. By settling in a historic city like York, the Oberti family became part of the diverse social fabric of seventeenth-century England, adapting their cultural heritage to a new environment while maintaining the legacy of their ancestral name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Audobert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning wealthy or noble and bright or famous.
This name
ObertiAn Italian and English surname originating from a Germanic personal name signifying noble brightness.
also spelled
Obart
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borsari, Silvano. Il Piemonte sabaudo nel Trecento. 1974
National Archives (UK). State Papers Domestic, James I. SP 14/118
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
