A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alston family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7145 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Az. ten estoiles or, four, three, two, and one, on a chief ar. a crescent reversed gu. between two boars' heads sa”
WarwickElmdon Hall · Warwick, c. 1620
Where the Alston Arms Were Recorded
Warwick
Map of England showing where the Alston arms are recorded
The Alston arms were recorded in Warwick, c. 1620.
Warwickshire lay in the middle of England, and its landed families were spread evenly across it rather than gathered in one corner. A great many held a single manor each, and each of those holdings brought its own claim to 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 England when the Alston 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 Warwick.
Origin & History of the Alston Family in England
The Alston family name originates from the Old English language, derived from the given name Aethelstan, which translates to noble stone. While the name appears in various regions across England, the family established a notable presence in the county of Warwick by the early seventeenth century. During this period, the Alstons were part of the rising class of landowners and merchants who helped shape the local economy. Their residence in Warwick during the 1620s suggests they were well-integrated into the social and political life of the Midlands. As the family grew, they moved into various professional roles, including law and trade, which allowed them to expand their influence beyond their original home. This transition from local landholders to prominent figures reflects the broader shifts in English society during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. a unicorn's head erased in chief ar. maned and horned or, and a cross moline of the second in base betw. ten stars, four, three, two, and one, of the third”
DumbartonWestertown · Dumbarton, c. 1792
Where the Alston Arms Were Recorded
Dumbarton
Map of Scotland showing where the Alston arms are recorded
The Alston arms were recorded in Dumbarton, c. 1792.
Dumbartonshire sat where the Clyde meets the Highlands, guarded by a royal castle. Families held land in return for service, and service in arms brought a shield with it.
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 III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Alston 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 Dumbarton.
Origin & History of the Alston Family in Scotland
The Alston family name has deep roots in the landscape of Scotland, particularly within the region surrounding the River Clyde. While the name is often associated with English origins, records confirm that the family established a significant presence in the town of Dumbarton by 1792. During this period, Dumbarton was a bustling center for shipbuilding and trade, providing a strategic location for families to integrate into the local economy. The Alstons were part of a broader movement of families who contributed to the industrial development of the Scottish Lowlands. By settling in this historic royal burgh, the family became part of a community defined by its maritime heritage and its proximity to the growing influence of Glasgow. Their presence in the late 18th century reflects the typical migration patterns of families seeking stability and opportunity in a rapidly changing Scottish society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelstan
Derived from Old English elements meaning noble and stone.
This name
AlstonRefers to someone who lived at the estate of a noble person.
also spelled
Allstone
Related arms
Dunsmuresame arms
Alestonvariant spelling
Millsrecorded with Alston, same area
Mushetrecorded with Alston, same area
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Warwickshire County Council, Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
cross symbolChristian faith and service
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
