A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Blackadder family of Scotland.
Reg. 2088 · Scottish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, or, three crescents gu., for EDMONDSTON: 2nd and 3rd, az. on a chev. ar. three roses gu., for BLACKADDER”
ScotlandTulliallan bart, c. 1626
Where the Blackadder Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Blackadder arms are recorded
The Blackadder arms were recorded in Tulliallan bart, c. 1626.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Scotland when the Blackadder 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Blackadder Family in Scotland
The Blackadder family name originates from the Scottish Borders, specifically taking its title from the lands of Blackadder in Berwickshire. The name is topographical, likely derived from the Blackadder Water, a local river that flows through the region. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had established a notable presence in Edinburgh, as evidenced by records from 1626. During this period, the family was deeply involved in the complex religious and political shifts of Scotland, with several members serving as prominent ministers or figures within the Church of Scotland. Their transition from landholders in the Borders to influential citizens in the capital reflects the broader movement of Scottish families seeking greater opportunity and security within the growing urban center of Edinburgh.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Blaec Aedre
Old English for dark or black stream or watercourse.
This name
BlackadderRefers to a person who lived near a dark-colored stream or river.
also spelled
Blakadder
Blackadre
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Anderson, William. The Scottish Nation; or, The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, and Biographical History of the People of Scotland. 1863
National Records of Scotland. Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, Series 1, Volume 1. 1877
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
