Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, three crescents, each surmounted by an estoile gu”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bateman family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, three crescents, each surmounted by an estoile gu”
The Bateman arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1298.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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.
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.
The surname Bateman originated in England as a descriptive occupational name during the Middle Ages. It likely derived from the Old English words "bāt," meaning boat, and "swegen," meaning a servant or attendant. This suggests that the earliest members of the family were boatmen or ferrymen who worked along the country's busy river systems. By the late thirteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the town of Derby. Historical records confirm that members of the Bateman family were living and working in this region by 1298. Over time, these individuals moved beyond their original trade to become involved in local commerce and land management. As the family grew, they spread from their roots in the East Midlands to other parts of England, eventually becoming a well-documented part of the local history in Derbyshire and beyond.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Or, a lion ramp. az”
The Bateman arms were recorded in Denbigh, c. 1647.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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.
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.
The surname Bateman has deep roots in the borderlands of Wales, where it functioned as an occupational name derived from the Middle English term for a boatman. While the name originated from trade, families bearing this title established a firm presence in North Wales by the mid-seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the Bateman family were settled in the town of Denbigh by 1647. During this era, Denbigh was a significant administrative and market hub, making it a logical place for families involved in commerce or local governance to reside. As these individuals integrated into Welsh society, they transitioned from their roles as transient traders to becoming established landowners and community members. This shift reflects the broader movement of families who moved into Welsh towns to participate in the growing economic opportunities of the post-medieval period.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Sa. an orle engr. ar. betw. three crescents erm”
The Bateman arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
The Bateman family name first appeared in Ireland as part of the movement of English settlers during the seventeenth century. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin, where they participated in the city's growing commercial and civic life. The name itself is of Old English origin and originally described a person who worked as a boatman or a servant. As these early settlers integrated into Irish society, they moved beyond their initial roles in the capital to acquire land and influence in various counties. Over time, the family became deeply rooted in the local economy, transitioning from newcomers to established members of the Irish community. Their presence in Dublin during the mid-1600s serves as a clear starting point for tracing their long history across the island.
An Old English or Germanic pet form of the name Bartholomew.


