Map of Britain showing where the Cummins arms are recorded
The Cummins arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1672.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
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 Britain in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Cummins arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Cummins Family in Britain
The surname Cummins is a variation of the name Comyn, which has deep roots in the British Isles. While the name is often associated with medieval Scottish nobility, branches of the family spread across England over several centuries. By the late 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in the county of Kent. Records from 1672 confirm that members of the Cummins family were living and working in this region during a time of significant social and economic change in England. These early settlers were likely part of the local agrarian or tradesman classes who helped shape the rural landscape of the southeast. As the family moved through different English counties, the spelling of the name evolved to reflect local dialects and regional record-keeping habits. This transition from the older, more formal versions of the name to the modern spelling of Cummins highlights the family's integration into the everyday life of early modern Britain.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
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)
“Az. a fleur-de-lis betw. three garbs or”
AberdeenBrunthill · Aberdeen, c. 1672
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Map of Scotland showing where the Cummins arms are recorded
The Cummins arms were recorded in Aberdeen, c. 1672.
Aberdeen was a granite trading town on the north-east coast with farming country behind it. Merchants who prospered bought estates inland, and buying an estate was what brought a family its arms.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in Britain when the Cummins 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 Aberdeen.
Origin & History of the Cummins Family in Scotland
The Cummins family name in Scotland is deeply rooted in the northern regions, particularly around the city of Aberdeen. By the late 17th century, the family was well-established in this area, as evidenced by records from 1672 that place them firmly within the local community. The name itself is often linked to the Gaelic word "cuimean," which suggests a connection to someone who was quick or nimble in their movements. During this period, families in Aberdeen were often involved in the bustling trade and agricultural life of the northeast coast. Being present in Aberdeen during the 1670s meant that the Cummins family lived through a time of significant social and political change in Scotland, as the country navigated the complex religious and royal transitions of the era. Their presence in the city archives indicates that they were active participants in the civic and economic life of the region during the transition into the modern age.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
portcullisProtection of the household, and the guarded gate
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, BRUCE, or, a saltire gu. on a chief of the last, in sinister canton a mullet of the first charged with a crescent of the second, 2nd, CUMMING, az. three garbs or; 3rd, THURLOW, ar. on a chev. cottised sa. three portcullises with chains and rings of the first; 4th, HOVELL, or, a cross sa”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Cummins arms are recorded
The Cummins arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 Britain when the Cummins 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 Cummins Family in England
The surname Cummins has deep roots in the northern regions of England, particularly within the historic city of York. By the year 1620, families bearing this name were already established members of the local community. The name itself is thought to have evolved from a nickname or a descriptive term that identified a person’s character or their place of origin. During the seventeenth century, individuals with this name were often integrated into the social and economic life of York, working as tradespeople or local citizens who helped shape the city’s growth. As the family grew, they became part of the steady movement of people across the English landscape, leaving behind records in parish registers that track their baptisms, marriages, and daily lives. These early generations helped establish the name as a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting the broader patterns of family history in northern England during the early modern period.
Cummins Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Comyn
A Norman-French locative name derived from the village of Comines.
This name
CumminsA surname of Norman origin denoting someone who hailed from the town of Comines in France.
also spelled
Cummin
Kuming
Cummings
Cummyn
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Reaney, Percy Hide. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives. Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers. 1672
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
portcullisProtection of the household, and the guarded gate
