| ![Show Contents]() Fermin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of FerminWhat does the name Fermin mean? The name Fermin has a rich and ancient history. It is an Anglo-Saxon name that was originally 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 Fermin familyThe surname Fermin 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. 1In 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 Fermin familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fermin 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 Fermin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Fermin Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Fermin include Fireman, Fermin, Firmin, Firmins, Firman, Virman and many more. Early Notables of the Fermin familyDistinguished 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 Fermin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Fermin RankingIn the United States, the name Fermin is the 11,874th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 6 Migration of the Fermin family to IrelandSome of the Fermin 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 Fermin familyA great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: John Firman who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630; Giles Firmin settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1634; William Firmins settled in Maryland in 1774.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Fermin (post 1700) | + |
- Anna Fermin, American folk/country singer and songwriter
- Ramón Antonio Fermín Ventura (b. 1972), Dominican Republic former Major League Baseball relief pitcher
- Claudio Eloy Fermín Maldonado (1950-1989), Venezuelan politician, Mayor of Libertador Municipality (1989–1993)
- Félix José Fermín Minaya (b. 1963), Dominican Republic former Major League Baseball shortstop
- Fermin Cabal (1948-2023), Peruvian footballer
- Fermin Solis Campos (b. 1972), Spanish cartoonist, animator, and illustrator
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.
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- 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)
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
- "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
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