A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aikin family of England.
Reg. 8376 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. on a chev. az. betw. two cocks in chief and a buckle in base gu. a lion ramp. of the field crowned or (as maternally descended from the family of Macdowal)”
EnglandLiverpool, c. 1620
Where the Aikin Arms Were Recorded
Liverpool
Map of England showing where the Aikin arms are recorded
The Aikin arms were recorded in Liverpool, 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 England when the Aikin 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 Aikin Family in England
The surname Aikin is a variation of the name Adam, originating from the medieval period as a diminutive form meaning little Adam or son of Adam. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the port city of Liverpool. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Aikin family were active in this growing maritime hub during a time of significant economic expansion. As Liverpool transformed from a small town into a major center for trade and shipping, the Aikin family became part of the local merchant class. Their early history is closely tied to the development of the city, as they participated in the local governance and commercial life that defined the region during the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adam
Hebrew name meaning son of the red earth
This name
AikinA diminutive form meaning little son of Adam or son of the red earth
also spelled
Aiken
Aitken
Aitkin
Related arms
Aikenvariant spelling
Aitkenvariant spelling
Aitkin, or Atkinvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool Town Books, 1603–1645, 352 LPL/MIN
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
lionCourage, strength and royalty
