A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Acheson family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0147 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à l'aigle ép. de sa., bq. et m. d'or; au chef de sin., ch. de deux molettes (5) d'or. C.: un coq de gu., posé sur une trompette d'or, en fasce. S.: deux léopards au nat., celui à sen. ayant la tête cont., tous les deux coll. et enchaînés d'or. D.: VIGILANTIBUS.”
Britainc. 1628
Where the Acheson Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Acheson arms are recorded
The Acheson arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1628.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Acheson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Acheson Family in Britain
The family name Acheson has roots that stretch back to the border regions between Scotland and England, where it originated as a variation of the name Atkinson. The name itself is a patronymic, meaning it was formed by combining the name Adam with the suffix son, eventually evolving into its current spelling through centuries of regional dialect changes. While the family had a strong presence in the Scottish Lowlands for many generations, historical records confirm that members of the family had established themselves in the county of Kent by 1628. This migration was part of a broader movement of families seeking new opportunities in southern England during the early seventeenth century. By settling in Kent, these early Achesons integrated into the local agricultural and social fabric of the region, marking a significant shift from their northern ancestral origins.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. an eagle displ. with two heads sa. beaked and membered or, on a chief vert two mullets of the third”
IrelandGosford, c. 1645
Where the Acheson Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Acheson arms are recorded
The Acheson arms were recorded in Gosford, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Britain when the Acheson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Acheson Family in Ireland
The Acheson family name has deep roots in Ireland that trace back to the seventeenth century. While the name originated in Scotland, members of the family established a significant presence in Dublin by 1645. During this period, the family became integrated into the administrative and social life of the city. They were part of a larger movement of settlers who moved across the Irish Sea to take up roles in trade and local government. Over time, the Achesons expanded their influence beyond the capital and acquired land in the northern parts of the island. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and land ownership that shaped Ireland during the early modern era. By settling in Dublin and later moving into the countryside, the family successfully transitioned from newcomers to established members of the Irish landed class.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adam
Hebrew name meaning son of the red earth.
This name
AchesonA patronymic surname meaning son of Adam or son of Archibald.
also spelled
Achesun
Akeson
Atcheson
Achesoun
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Kew, State Papers Domestic, Charles I, SP 16
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
