A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Carlsson family of Sweden.
Reg. 7528 · Swedish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: au 1 d'azur au lion naiss. d'or, cour. du même, tenant une épée d'arg., garnie d'or; aux 2 et 3 d'or à une couronne d'or en chef, et trois boules mal-ordonnées d'azur en p.; au 4 d'azur au lion naiss. de gu., cour. d'or, supp. de sa patte dextre une boule du même. Sur le tout d'arg. à un homme d'armes, arm. de toutes pièces au nat., coiffé d'un turban d'arg., tenant de sa main dextre une pique et de sa sen. un bouclier ovale d'arg. ch. de cinq los. de sa., appointées en croix. Trois cq. cour. C.: 1° un bras, arm. au nat., mouv. d'un demi-vol d'arg. et déchargeant un pistolet au nat., en bande; 2° l'homme d'armes, iss.; 3° une épée d'arg., garnie d'or, entre deux bannières accostées d'arg.; le tout br. sur six bannières de gu., bordées d'arg., trois à dextre et trois à sen. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'arg. et de gu.”
Swedenc. 1674
Where the Carlsson Arms Were Recorded
Stockholm
Map of Sweden showing where the Carlsson arms are recorded
The Carlsson arms were recorded in Sweden, c. 1674.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Stockholm.
Stockholm held the Swedish court and the House of Nobility, where every noble family's arms were entered and kept. Families ennobled for service registered there, which is why so many are recorded around the city.
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 Sweden in this period.
Charles XI of Sweden
Sovereign of the period
Charles XI of Sweden
1660–1697
Reigning in Sweden when the Carlsson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Sweden
In Sweden, a coat of arms belonged to a noble family as a whole rather than just one individual. These arms were passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants. Younger branches of the family used the same shield without needing to change it. This system ensured that the entire lineage shared the same identity and status under the law.
Granting authority
The Riddarhuset, or House of Nobility, regulated all noble coats of arms in Sweden under royal authority.
How they got arms
Families received their coats of arms through royal grants of nobility which were then officially registered with the House.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Swedish House of Nobility register starting in the year 1626.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Sweden.
Origin & History of the Carlsson Family in Sweden
The surname Carlsson is a classic example of a patronymic naming system, which was the standard way of identifying people in Sweden for many centuries. The name literally means son of Carl, indicating that the first person to use it was the son of a man named Carl. By the time records place the family in Stockholm in 1674, Sweden was transitioning toward more permanent surnames, though many families still relied on these father-based names. Living in Stockholm during the late 17th century suggests that the family was likely part of the growing urban class during the Swedish Empire era. As the city expanded, families like the Carlssons became part of the social fabric of the capital, working in trades or government service to support the needs of a rising European power. Over time, the name stopped changing with each generation and became a fixed family name passed down to descendants.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Karl
A Germanic name meaning free man or man.
This name
CarlssonA patronymic surname meaning son of Karl.
also spelled
Karlsson
Carlson
Karlson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Otterbjörk, Roland, Svenska förnamn, 1964
Stockholm City Archives, Stadsarkivets kyrkoarkiv, 1674
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
knightChivalry and service in arms
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
