A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cosen family of England.
Reg. 9766 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. betw. three mullets pierced sa”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Where the Cosen Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Cosen arms are recorded
The Cosen 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 Cosen 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 Cosen Family in England
The surname Cosen is deeply rooted in the history of Devonshire, where records confirm the family was well-established by the early seventeenth century. The name likely originated as a descriptive term, derived from the Middle English word "cosin," which was used to identify a kinsman or a close relative. In the rural landscape of southwestern England, such names often began as nicknames given to individuals who were known for their strong family ties or their friendly demeanor within a village. By 1620, families bearing this name were active participants in the local economy of Devon, often working as skilled tradespeople or farmers who helped shape the social fabric of the region. As these families grew and moved throughout the English countryside, the name evolved in spelling, but its presence in Devon remains a significant marker of its long-standing connection to the area.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cousin
Derived from the Old French word for a kinsman or relative.
This name
CosenA locative or occupational surname originally used to identify a kinsman or relative.
also spelled
Cosin
Cozens
Cossin
Related arms
Cosinvariant spelling
Cosynvariant spelling
Cozensvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1600–1650
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
