Map of England showing where the Baxter arms are recorded
The Baxter arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Baxter 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Baxter Family in England
The surname Baxter is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, derived from the Old English word *bæcestre*, which specifically identified a female baker. Over time, the term evolved to describe anyone who worked in the baking trade regardless of gender, eventually becoming a permanent family name as surnames became common practice in the Middle Ages. By the early 17th century, the Baxter family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living and working in this region during a period of significant social and economic transition. These early ancestors were likely part of the skilled labor force that supported the growing agricultural and commercial networks of East Anglia, helping to cement the name within the local history of the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Erm. on a chev. engr. betw. three mullets gu. as many garbs or”
ForfarKincaldrum · Forfar, c. 1855
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Map of Scotland showing where the Baxter arms are recorded
The Baxter arms were recorded in Forfar, c. 1855.
Forfar, now called Angus, was farming country on Scotland's east coast between the hills and the sea. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is exactly what fills a register 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.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in England when the Baxter 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 Forfar.
Origin & History of the Baxter Family in Scotland
The surname Baxter originates from the Middle English word "bakester," which was the occupational term for a baker. In medieval Scotland, this name was not tied to a single bloodline but was instead a professional title given to those who produced bread for the community. By the time the name became a permanent hereditary surname, many families had settled in the eastern regions of the country, particularly around the county of Angus. The presence of the Baxter family in the town of Forfar by 1855 reflects a long-standing tradition of these families establishing themselves as skilled tradespeople and local citizens within the Scottish burghs. Over several centuries, these individuals moved from being identified solely by their work to passing the name down through generations, eventually becoming a well-established part of the social fabric in towns like Forfar.
Baxter Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
baecestre
Old English term for a female baker.
This name
BaxterAn occupational surname for a person who baked bread for a living.
also spelled
Bakster
Baxster
Related arms
Balfoursame arms
Arnoldrecorded with Baxter, same area
Bowesrecorded with Baxter, same area
CABBELL, or CABELLrecorded with Baxter, 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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, 1620
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
