Map of England showing where the Catterson arms are recorded
The Catterson arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1620.
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 Catterson 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Catterson Family in England
The Catterson family name has deep roots in the coastal landscape of Devonshire, where members of the lineage were firmly established by the year 1620. During this period, the name was likely associated with families living in the rural parishes of the West Country, where individuals often earned their livelihoods through farming, maritime trade, or local craftsmanship. The structure of the name suggests it may have originated as a descriptive term or a locative identifier, evolving as families settled into specific villages and began appearing in local church registers. As the seventeenth century progressed, these early settlers became part of the fabric of Devonshire society, contributing to the local economy and the growth of their communities. By remaining in the region during a time of significant social and political change, the early Catterson family helped secure a lasting presence for the name in the historical record of southwestern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Catt
A nickname derived from the wild cat or a cat-like person.
This name
CattersonA topographical or habitational name referring to a settlement associated with a cat.
also spelled
Catherstoun
Catherstowne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1620
Hoskins, W. G., Devon, 1954
Reaney, P. H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
vol / wingsSwiftness and protection
lionCourage, strength and royalty
