A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Crichton family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 7237 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. au lion d'azur, arm. et lamp. de gu.; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. au saut. d'azur, et au chef du même. Sur le tout d'azur à trois étoiles rayonnantes d'arg., encloses dans un double trêcheur fleur. et c.-fleur. d'or. C.: un dragon ailé, vomissant des flammes, le tout au nat. S.: deux lions d'azur, arm. et lamp. de gu., cour. d'or.”
Francec. 1698
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Map of France showing where the Crichton arms are recorded
The Crichton arms were recorded in France, c. 1698.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Crichton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Crichton Family in France
The history of the Crichton family name in France is deeply tied to the movement of people across the English Channel during the late seventeenth century. While the name originates from Scottish lands, records confirm that family members were established in the region of Bretagne by 1698. During this period, many families with Scottish roots moved to France to serve in the military or to seek new opportunities within the French social structure. These early settlers often integrated into local communities by adapting their names to fit French phonetic patterns while maintaining their family identity. By settling in Bretagne, the Crichtons became part of a small but significant group of expatriates who navigated the complex political landscape of the era. Their presence in the region highlights the long history of migration and cultural exchange between Scotland and France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a lion ramp. az., for Crichton; 2nd and 3rd, az. three water budgets or, for Vallange”
DumfriesSanquhar · Dumfries, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Crichton arms are recorded
The Crichton arms were recorded in Dumfries, c. 1748.
Dumfriesshire was Scottish border country facing England across a disputed line. Families held their land in return for defending it, and a defending household carried a shield.
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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in France when the Crichton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dumfries.
Origin & History of the Crichton Family in Scotland
The surname Crichton is a locational name that originated from the lands of Crichton in Midlothian, Scotland. The family rose to prominence during the Middle Ages as powerful landowners who held significant influence in the Scottish government. By the eighteenth century, members of the family had expanded their reach into the southwestern region of the country. Records confirm that the Crichton family was well-established in Dumfries by 1748, where they participated in the local economy and social life of the town. This migration from the eastern lowlands to the southwest reflects the broader movement of Scottish families who sought new opportunities in growing administrative and trade centers. The name remains deeply tied to the history of the Scottish landscape, marking the family as a long-standing part of the nation's heritage.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 lion ramp. az. within a bordure invecked vert”
EnglandLondon, c. 1770
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Map of England showing where the Crichton arms are recorded
The Crichton arms were recorded in London, c. 1770.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in France when the Crichton 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 England.
Origin & History of the Crichton Family in England
The family name Crichton is primarily associated with Scottish origins, but its presence in England became firmly established by the late eighteenth century. By 1770, records confirm that members of the Crichton family were living in London, where they participated in the city’s growing commercial and professional life. During this period, London served as a central hub for people moving south from Scotland to seek new opportunities in trade, law, and medicine. These early London residents likely integrated into the city’s social fabric by establishing businesses or working in the bustling maritime and administrative sectors of the capital. Their arrival in England reflects a broader trend of migration that saw families from the north contributing to the development of British urban society during the Enlightenment era.
Crichton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Creich
A Gaelic term referring to a boundary or a hill.
This name
CrichtonDerived from a Scottish place name meaning dweller at the boundary hill.
also spelled
Crighton
Krichton
Kriton
Creighton
Crichtoun
Related arms
Lakemansimilar arms
Creightonvariant spelling
Hamiltonrecorded with Crichton, same area
Ogilvyrecorded with Crichton, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Furgol, Edward M., The Scottish Military in France: 1600-1750, 1989
Michel, Francisque, Les Écossais en France, les Français en Écosse, 1862
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
bordureA difference between branches of one family
