Show ContentsFeermant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the name Feermant are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the given names Firmin, Farman or Ferman. "The great home of this name and all its varied forms was Norfolk. From hence it extended as Firmin into Essex. In these districts the surname is still common." [1]

The name may have been Norman in origin as Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae listed N. Firmin of Normandy,1180-95 and William Forman, 1198. [2]

Early Origins of the Feermant family

The surname Feermant was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat at Gateforth, which at the time of the taking of the Domesday Book in 1086 was known as Gereford, and granted by the King to Ilbert de Lacy. [3]

As mentioned before, Norfolk quickly became the most popular county for the family. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed: John Fayerman and Richard Fayrman, as both holding lands there at that time. [1]In Berkshire, we found Robert ferriman listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1192 and later Richard le Feriman was found in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1246. [4] The latter entry eludes to the occupational nature of some of the family as in "Richard the Ferryman."

Later more records were revealed. Walter Fayrman, was vicar of Lakenham, Norfolk in 1369 and Farman Alberd, was bailiff of Yarmouth in 1325. This same individual is found as Fairman Alberd in 1306. [5]

Early History of the Feermant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Feermant research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1614, 1632, 1635, 1638, 1647, 1662, 1697 and 1937 are included under the topic Early Feermant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Feermant Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Feermant has been spelled many different ways, including Fireman, Fermin, Firmin, Firmins, Firman, Virman and many more.

Early Notables of the Feermant family

Distinguished members of the family include Humphrey Brook Firman of Gateforth and Brayton in Yorkshire.Giles Firmin (1614-1697), was an English minister and physician, Deacon in the first church in Massachusetts of John Cotton, and ejected minister in 1662. he was the son of Giles Firmin, and was born at Ipswich in 1614. In 1632 he went with his father to New England. While at Boston, Massachusetts, he was ordained deacon of the first church, of which John Cotton was minister. At Ipswich, Massachusetts, he received in 1638 a grant of 120 acres of land. He practised medicine in New England, and...
Another 136 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Feermant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Feermant family to Ireland

Some of the Feermant family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Feermant family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Feermants to arrive in North America: John Firman who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; Giles Firmin settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1634; William Firmins settled in Maryland in 1774.



The Feermant Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Firmus in Christo
Motto Translation: Firm in Christ.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print


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