Map of Germany showing where the Bonar arms are recorded
The Bonar arms were recorded in Germany, c. 1765.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Sovereign of the period
Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
1745–1765
Reigning in Germany when the Bonar arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
Granting authority
The Holy Roman Emperor held the sole power to grant new coats of arms throughout his vast imperial territories.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal imperial grant or by proving their noble status to the authorities.
Where arms were recorded
These grants were officially recorded in the Imperial Chancery registers, which began keeping formal records of such honors during the Middle Ages.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Bonar Family in Germany
The family name Bonar has deep roots in the historical landscape of Bavaria, where records confirm the presence of family members by the year 1765. During this period, the name was closely tied to the social and agricultural structures of southern Germany. Families like the Bonars often lived in small, tight-knit communities where their surname likely evolved from local dialects or descriptions of their trade and character. As the region underwent significant changes in governance and land ownership throughout the eighteenth century, the Bonar family navigated the complexities of rural life, contributing to the local economy and community development. Their history in Bavaria reflects the broader experiences of families who helped build the foundations of German society through generations of steady labor and local participation.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. au saut. d'azur; au canton de sa., ch. de trois épées d'arg., garnies d'or, les pointes en bas. C.: un chevalier croisé, tenant une épée en pal. D.: DENIQUE COELUM!”
Britainc. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Bonar arms are recorded
The Bonar arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Germany when the Bonar arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Bonar Family in Britain
The surname Bonar has deep roots in the British Isles, with historical evidence suggesting it originated as a descriptive nickname derived from the Old French word "bonaire," which means gentle, courteous, or well-bred. While the name is often associated with Scottish lineages, members of the family were firmly established in the county of Kent by the year 1700. During this period, families with this name were typically involved in local trade, agriculture, or the developing mercantile industries of southern England. As the name spread across different regions, it evolved through various spellings in parish registers and legal documents, reflecting the way names were recorded phonetically by local clerks. By settling in Kent, the family became part of the social fabric of a region known for its proximity to London and its role as a gateway for trade, allowing them to integrate into the professional and community life of the English countryside during the turn of the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a saltire az”
PerthKeltie · Perth, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Bonar arms are recorded
The Bonar arms were recorded in Perth, c. 1748.
Perth sat where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, and its families held land on both sides of that line. Estates passed down whole for centuries, and unbroken tenure is what puts a name in the register.
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 II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Germany when the Bonar 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 Perth.
Origin & History of the Bonar Family in Scotland
The family name Bonar has deep roots in Scotland, where it is often associated with the Gaelic word "bonar," meaning gentle or good. While the name appears in various records across the country, the family established a notable presence in the city of Perth by the mid-eighteenth century. During this era, Perth served as a vital hub for trade and craftsmanship, providing a stable environment for families to grow and contribute to the local economy. The Bonars became integrated into the social fabric of the region, participating in the daily life and civic duties that defined life in a bustling Scottish burgh. By 1748, the name was well-established in the area, reflecting a long history of settlement and community involvement that helped shape the identity of the family within the Scottish Lowlands.
Bonar Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bonus
Latin term meaning good, virtuous, or honest.
This name
BonarA descriptive surname for a person of good character or kind disposition.
also spelled
Bonare
Bonarr
Bonner
Related arms
Bonervariant spelling
Bonnervariant spelling
Baskcombrecorded with Bonar, same area
Carmarthen, or Camardenrecorded with Bonar, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
swordJustice, and military honour
