A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Carlyle family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5744 · Britain, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à la croix florencée de gu. (Carlyle); aux 2 et 3 d'or à la croix de gu. (Corsbie). Sur le tout d'azur au saut. d'azur. C.: deux têtes de dragon adossées de sin. S.: deux paons rouants, au nat. D.: HUMILITATE.”
Britainc. 1474
Where the Carlyle Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Carlyle arms are recorded
The Carlyle arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1474.
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.
Edward IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward IV of England
1471–1483
Reigning in Britain when the Carlyle 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 Carlyle Family in Britain
The family name Carlyle traces its roots to the ancient city of Carlisle in the northern reaches of England. Over many generations, the name evolved as people moved away from this border region and settled in different parts of the country. By 1474, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in the county of Kent in southeastern England. This migration suggests that the family was mobile and likely involved in the agricultural or trade networks that defined life in the late Middle Ages. As they integrated into the local communities of Kent, the family name became a permanent part of the regional identity. Their transition from the northern borders to the southern coast reflects the broader patterns of movement and social change during the fifteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gu. a cross flory or, for CARLYLE; 2nd and 3rd, or, a cross gu. for COBSBIE, en surtout, az. a saltire ar., for which was afterwards substituted, ar. a man's heart gu. on a chief az., three stars of the field, for DOUGLAS”
DumfriesDumfries, c. 1609
Where the Carlyle Arms Were Recorded
Dumfries
Map of Scotland showing where the Carlyle arms are recorded
The Carlyle arms were recorded in Dumfries, c. 1609.
Dumfriesshire was Scottish border country facing England across a disputed line. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1587–1625
Reigning in Britain when the Carlyle 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 Dumfries.
Origin & History of the Carlyle Family in Scotland
The Carlyle family name originated from the ancient settlement of Carlisle in Cumbria, which was once part of the kingdom of Strathclyde before the border between Scotland and England was firmly established. As the political boundaries shifted, members of the family moved north into the Scottish Lowlands, where they became prominent figures in the region of Dumfries. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly established itself in this area, as evidenced by legal records from 1609 that document their presence and influence within the local community. These early settlers were often involved in the complex social and political life of the Scottish Borders, a region defined by its rugged landscape and the constant need for local families to manage their own affairs. Over time, the name became deeply rooted in the history of Dumfries, reflecting the broader movement of families who helped shape the identity of the Scottish borderlands during a period of significant transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Caer Luel
A Brythonic place name meaning fort of the god Lugh.
This name
CarlyleDerived from a location in Cumbria, signifying one who hails from the fortified city.
also spelled
Karlile
Carlile
Karlyl
Carlell
Carlill
Related arms
Carleillvariant spelling
Carlell, or Carlylevariant spelling
Carlilvariant spelling
Carlilesvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Reaney, Percy Hide. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives. Early Chancery Proceedings, C 1/48/443. 1474
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
