A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cottington family of England.
Reg. 9782 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. on a fesse ar. betw. three roses or, as many bugle horns sa”
GloucestershireGloucestershire, c. 1620
Where the Cottington Arms Were Recorded
Gloucestershire
Map of England showing where the Cottington arms are recorded
The Cottington arms were recorded in Gloucestershire, 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 Cottington 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 Gloucestershire.
Origin & History of the Cottington Family in England
The surname Cottington is a locational name, which means it likely originated from a specific place or settlement in England. In Old English, the name is thought to derive from a combination of words meaning the estate or farmstead belonging to a person named Cotta. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in the county of Gloucestershire. Records from 1620 confirm their presence in this region, where members of the family were often involved in local agriculture and community life. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the English countryside, contributing to the development of their local parishes and rural economy. Over time, the name spread beyond its original roots, but its history remains deeply tied to the landscape and traditions of the West Country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cotta
An Old English personal name derived from the word for cottage.
This name
CottingtonRefers to a settlement or farmstead belonging to a person named Cotta.
also spelled
Cottingtown
Cottingdon
Related arms
Doughtyrecorded with Cottington, same area
Hodgesrecorded with Cottington, same area
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
Smith, A.H., The Place-Names of Gloucestershire, 1964
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
Gloucestershire Archives, Diocese of Gloucester Records: Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1620
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
