A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alden family of England.
Reg. 9259 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Gu. three crescents within a bordure engr. erm”
HertfordshireHertfordshire, c. 1607
Where the Alden Arms Were Recorded
Hertfordshire
Map of England showing where the Alden arms are recorded
The Alden arms were recorded in Hertfordshire, c. 1607.
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 Alden 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 Hertfordshire.
Origin & History of the Alden Family in England
The surname Alden is of Old English origin, derived from the words "eald," meaning old, and "wine," meaning friend. This combination suggests that the name was originally a descriptive nickname for a trusted or wise companion. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the English county of Hertfordshire. Records from 1607 confirm that members of the Alden family were settled in this region, living as part of the local agrarian society. During this period, the family name was often spelled in various ways, such as Aldin or Alding, reflecting the flexible nature of English orthography before standardized spelling became common. These early ancestors were likely involved in trade or farming, contributing to the quiet development of the community long before some members of the family gained historical prominence through migration to the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ealdwine
Old English elements meaning old and friend.
This name
AldenAn ancient or wise friend, derived from Old English roots.
also spelled
Aldin
Aldyn
Aldon
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertfordshire Parish Registers, 1607
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
bordureA difference between branches of one family
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
