Map of Germany showing where the Tabor arms are recorded
The Tabor arms were recorded in Silesia, c. 1765.
Silesia was farming country in the east of the German lands, held in large estates by families who stayed put for generations. Owning land was what entitled a family to arms, so the region fills a good deal of the register.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Tabor arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Silesia.
Origin & History of the Tabor Family in Germany
The family name Tabor has deep roots in the historical region of Silesia, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1765. In the German-speaking lands of that era, the name often functioned as a topographic or locational surname, likely referring to individuals who lived near a prominent hill or a fortified settlement. The word itself carries a rich history, as it is linked to the biblical Mount Tabor and was frequently used in Central Europe to name high grounds or defensive sites. During the eighteenth century, families in Silesia were often tied to the land through agriculture or local trade, and the name Tabor would have served as a clear identifier for those living within these specific rural or village communities. As the family moved and grew throughout the region, the name remained a steady marker of their ancestral connection to the landscape of the Prussian and Austrian borderlands.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Ar. on a fess betw. two crosses patonce vert three gryphons' heads couped or”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Tabor arms are recorded
The Tabor 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 Germany when the Tabor 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 Tabor Family in England
The surname Tabor has roots that stretch back to medieval England, where it likely originated as an occupational name for a person who played the tabor, a small drum used to accompany a pipe. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Tabor family were living and working within this northern hub, which was then a center of trade and religious importance. During this period, families often settled in specific urban areas to take advantage of the local guilds and markets. The presence of the Tabor name in York suggests that these early ancestors were integrated into the social and economic fabric of one of England’s most significant ancient cities. As the family grew, they contributed to the local community life that defined the region during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period.
Tabor Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
tabor
A small drum or tabor used by medieval musicians.
This name
TaborAn occupational name for a person who played the drum or a topographic name for someone living near a drum-shaped hill.
also spelled
Tabour
Taber
Related arms
Tabervariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Bahlow, Hans, Deutsches Namenlexikon: Familien- und Vornamen nach Ursprung und Sinn erklärt, 1967
Heintze, Albert, Die deutschen Familien-Namen: geschichtlich, geographisch, sprachlich, 1903
State Archive in Wrocław (Archiwum Państwowe we Wrocławiu), Księgi metrykalne i akta stanu cywilnego, 1765
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
