A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Atherton family of England.
Reg. 5496 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. two bends and a bordure sa”
LancashireLancashire, c. 1620
Where the Atherton Arms Were Recorded
Lancashire
Map of England showing where the Atherton arms are recorded
The Atherton arms were recorded in Lancashire, 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 Atherton 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 Lancashire.
Origin & History of the Atherton Family in England
The family name Atherton originates from a place name in the historic county of Lancashire in North West England. The name is derived from Old English words that describe a farmstead or settlement belonging to a person named Aethelhere. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the region, with records confirming their presence in Lancashire by 1620. During this period, the family was deeply connected to the local landscape and the social structure of the parish. As was common for families of that era, their identity was closely linked to the specific township of Atherton, which served as the ancestral base for generations. The family grew alongside the development of the local community, transitioning from traditional agricultural roots toward the industrial growth that would later define the Lancashire region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethel-tun
Old English for noble or royal estate or farmstead.
This name
AthertonDerived from a place name referring to a settlement belonging to a noble person.
also spelled
Aderton
Athertyn
Related arms
Aderton, or Aldertonvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert, The Place-Names of Lancashire, 1922
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John, A History of the County of Lancaster, 1907
Lancashire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1620
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
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
