A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coltman family of England.
Reg. 6081 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
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)
“Az. a cross patonce pierced or, betw. four mullets ar”
LincolnHagnaby Priory · Lincoln, c. 1620
Where the Coltman Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Coltman arms are recorded
The Coltman arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Coltman 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Coltman Family in England
The surname Coltman is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, likely referring to a person who worked as a keeper or breeder of young horses, known as colts. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of Lincoln. Records confirm that members of the Coltman family were living in Lincoln by 1620, where they integrated into the local community as tradespeople and citizens. During this period, Lincoln was a bustling center of commerce and administration, providing the family with opportunities to grow their influence within the region. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the local history of Lincolnshire, reflecting the common practice of families settling in specific urban centers to pursue their livelihoods and build their legacies across generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Colt
A young male horse or a foal.
This name
ColtmanAn occupational surname for a person who worked with or tended to young horses.
also spelled
Colteman
Coltmen
Coltmon
Related arms
Coultmanvariant spelling
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
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Parish Registers, 1620
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.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
