A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Catlin family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8411 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per chev. az. and or, three lions pass. guard. in pale counterchanged a chief ar”
NorthamptonNorthampton, c. 1620
Where the Catlin Arms Were Recorded
Northampton
Map of England showing where the Catlin arms are recorded
The Catlin arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1620.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Catlin arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Catlin Family in England
The family name Catlin traces its roots back to medieval England, where it likely originated as a variation of the name Cateline. This name was derived from the Old French form of Catherine, which was a popular choice for both men and women during the Middle Ages. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Northamptonshire. Records confirm that members of the Catlin family were living in Northampton by 1620, a time when the region was a bustling center for trade and agriculture. During this period, families often settled in specific towns for generations, working as merchants or skilled craftsmen. This geographical stability helped the name persist through the centuries as the family integrated into the local social and economic fabric of the English Midlands.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per chev. az. and or, three lions pass. guard. counterchanged on a chief of the second a crescent gu”
DublinRecorder · Dublin, c. 1625
Where the Catlin Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Catlin arms are recorded
The Catlin arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1625.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Catlin 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Catlin Family in Ireland
The history of the Catlin name in Ireland begins to emerge clearly in the early seventeenth century, specifically with records confirming the family’s presence in Dublin by 1625. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, serving as a primary point of entry for families moving between England and Ireland. The Catlins likely arrived as part of the broader movement of settlers who sought new professional or commercial opportunities in the growing capital city. As the family established themselves in the urban environment of Dublin, they integrated into the local social and economic life of the region. While the name itself has roots that stretch back to older naming traditions, its documented appearance in 1625 marks the start of a long-standing connection to the Irish landscape. Over the following decades, the family name became a part of the diverse tapestry of people who contributed to the development of Dublin during a time of significant political and social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Catelin
A diminutive form of the Old French name Cateline.
This name
CatlinDerived from the Greek name Aikaterine, meaning pure or clear.
also spelled
Catlyn
Catlyne
Related arms
Catelinesimilar arms
Dobbynrecorded with Catlin, same area
Dunganrecorded with Catlin, same area
Lynchrecorded with Catlin, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Northamptonshire Archives, Parish Registers of Northampton St Sepulchre, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
