Map of Scotland showing where the Adamsen arms are recorded
The Adamsen arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Adamsen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Adamsen Family in Scotland
The surname Adamsen is a patronymic name, meaning it was originally formed to identify a person as the son of Adam. While the name is often associated with Scandinavian roots, its presence in Scotland reflects the movement of people across the North Sea during the eighteenth century. By 1748, records confirm that members of the Adamsen family were established in Edinburgh, which was then a bustling center of the Scottish Enlightenment. During this period, the city was undergoing rapid expansion and social change, drawing in skilled workers and merchants from various regions. Families like the Adamsens likely integrated into the urban fabric of the city by participating in local trade or professional guilds. Their presence in the capital suggests they were part of a growing class of citizens who contributed to the economic and cultural life of Scotland during a time of significant historical transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert on a cross or, an estoile sa”
WestmorlandWestmorland, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Adamsen arms are recorded
The Adamsen arms were recorded in Westmorland, c. 1620.
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 Scotland when the Adamsen 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 Westmorland.
Origin & History of the Adamsen Family in England
The surname Adamsen is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of Adam. While the name is often associated with Scandinavian naming traditions, historical records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the county of Westmorland, England, by the year 1620. During this period, Westmorland was a rugged and rural region where families often lived on small farms or worked in the local wool trade. The presence of the Adamsen name in this specific area suggests that these early ancestors were likely part of the local yeomanry, which consisted of independent farmers who owned their own land. Over time, families in this region became deeply rooted in their local parishes, with their names appearing in various church registers and legal documents that tracked births, marriages, and land ownership. These records provide a clear link to a time when the Adamsen family was actively participating in the social and economic life of Northern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adam
Derived from the Hebrew word for earth or red clay.
This name
AdamsenA patronymic surname meaning son of Adam, signifying a descendant of the first man.
also spelled
Adameson
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Marriages, 1748
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cross symbolChristian faith and service
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
