Map of Scotland showing where the Dickie arms are recorded
The Dickie arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
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 Scotland when the Dickie 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 Scotland.
Origin & History of the Dickie Family in Scotland
The surname Dickie is a diminutive form of the name Dick, which itself originated as a common nickname for Richard. In the Scottish Lowlands, where the name became well-established, it was common for families to adopt these informal names as permanent surnames during the late medieval and early modern periods. By the time members of the Dickie family were documented living in Edinburgh in 1748, the name was already deeply rooted in the social fabric of the region. During the eighteenth century, Edinburgh was a bustling center of trade and intellectual growth, and families like the Dickies were often part of the growing urban middle class. These individuals were likely involved in the city’s expanding craft guilds or mercantile businesses, contributing to the development of the capital as it transitioned into the modern era. The presence of the family in such a significant historical hub suggests they were well-integrated into the local community and the daily life of the city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Richard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning brave or strong ruler.
This name
DickieA diminutive form of the name Richard, signifying a brave and powerful leader.
also spelled
Dickie
Dicky
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History, 1946
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Testaments, 1748
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
