A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Agnew family of Scotland.
Reg. 2958 · Scottish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a bend gu.; 2nd and 3rd, ar. a chev. ensigned with a cross crosslet fitchée sa. betw. in chief two cinquefoils gu. and in base a saltire couped az”
ScotlandBarnbarroch, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Agnew arms are recorded
The Agnew arms were recorded in Barnbarroch, 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 Agnew 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 Agnew Family in Scotland
The Agnew family name has deep roots in the history of Scotland, with its origins often traced back to the arrival of Norman settlers in the region. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had firmly established a presence in the bustling city of Edinburgh. Records from 1748 confirm that members of the family were active residents during this time, participating in the social and economic life of the Scottish capital. As the city grew into a center for the Enlightenment, the Agnew family became part of the urban fabric of a changing nation. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in major administrative hubs to pursue professional opportunities and contribute to the development of Scottish society.
Agnew Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Gnaeus
Latin name meaning born or descendant
This name
AgnewDerived from the Gaelic Mac Gnímh meaning son of the man of action
also spelled
Agneu
Agneue
Related arms
Vansrecorded with Agnew, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Burgh Register of Sasines, 1748
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cinquefoilHope and joy
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cinquefoilHope and joy
