A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Addison family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6359 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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'herm. à la bande de gu., ch. de trois annelets d'or: au chef d'azur, ch. de trois têtes de léopard d'or [Armes de Joseph A., collaborateur du Spectator de Steele].”
BritainLondres, c. 1700
Where the Addison Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Addison arms are recorded
The Addison arms were recorded in Londres, c. 1700.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Addison 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 Addison Family in Britain
The surname Addison originated as a patronymic, meaning it was formed by combining the name Adam with the word son to signify a descendant of Adam. While the name became widespread across northern England during the Middle Ages, it eventually migrated southward and established a notable presence in the county of Kent by the turn of the 18th century. Families bearing this name during this period often lived in rural or semi-rural communities where they worked as farmers, tradesmen, or local craftsmen. As the name moved into southern regions like Kent, it became part of the local social fabric, appearing in parish registers that recorded the births, marriages, and deaths of these early residents. This transition from a northern origin to a settled life in the south reflects the broader movement of families across Britain as they sought new opportunities and established roots in developing regional economies.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. on a bend gu. three annulets or, on a chief vert as many leopards' faces of the third”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Addison Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Addison arms are recorded
The Addison 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 Britain when the Addison 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 Addison Family in England
The surname Addison is a classic example of a patronymic name, which means it was originally formed by combining a father’s given name with a suffix indicating descent. In this case, the name translates to "son of Addie," with Addie serving as a common medieval nickname for the name Adam. While the name appears in various parts of England, historical records confirm that the family had established a notable presence in the city of York by the year 1620. During this period, York was a vital center for trade and administration, and families like the Addisons often integrated into the local merchant classes or skilled trades. As the family grew, they moved through the social landscape of Northern England, transitioning from local community members into the broader historical fabric of the region. This evolution reflects the common patterns of English naming traditions, where a simple reference to a parent eventually became a permanent family identity passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adam
Hebrew name meaning son of the red earth or man.
This name
AddisonA patronymic surname meaning son of Adam.
also spelled
Addysen
Adison
Adyson
Addyson
Adysone
Related arms
Agardrecorded with Addison, same area
Gillrecorded with Addison, same area
Heronvillerecorded with Addison, same area
Playnerecorded with Addison, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Lower, Mark Antony, Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom, 1860
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, 1700–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
