Map of Scotland showing where the Callender arms are recorded
The Callender arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
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.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Callender 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 Callender Family in Scotland
The surname Callender finds its roots in the historic lands of Stirlingshire, where the family took its name from the barony of Callendar near the town of Falkirk. During the medieval period, the family established themselves as significant landowners, with records showing their influence spreading across the Scottish Lowlands over several centuries. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had become well-integrated into the professional and social life of Scotland’s capital. Official records confirm that members of the Callender family were active residents of Edinburgh by 1748, participating in the city's growing commercial and civic sectors during a time of great transition for the nation. This migration from their ancestral rural estates to the urban center of Edinburgh reflects the broader movement of Scottish families who sought new opportunities in the capital during the Enlightenment era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Sa. a bend chequy or and gu. betw. six billets of the second”
Irelandc. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Callender arms are recorded
The Callender 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 body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Scotland when the Callender arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
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.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Callender Family in Ireland
The Callender family name holds a distinct place in the history of seventeenth-century Dublin, where records confirm members of the family were established by 1645. While the name is often associated with Scottish origins, its presence in Ireland during this period suggests the family was part of the significant movement of people across the Irish Sea during the mid-1600s. In the bustling environment of Dublin, which served as a major center for trade and administration, the Callenders likely integrated into the city’s growing merchant and professional classes. By settling in the capital during a time of great political change, the family became part of the urban fabric of Ireland, contributing to the city's development as it transitioned through the mid-seventeenth century. Their early residence in Dublin highlights how families of that era often relocated to major port cities to seek new opportunities in commerce and civic life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Calathros
A Pictish term referring to a wooded or hard place.
This name
CallenderDerived from a Scottish place name meaning a hard or wooded area.
also spelled
Callender
Callendre
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
National Records of Scotland. Edinburgh Burgess and Guild Register. 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
billetThe sealed letter, and a message delivered
