Map of England showing where the Dixon arms are recorded
The Dixon arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 England when the Dixon 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Dixon Family in England
The surname Dixon originated as a patronymic, which means it was created to identify a person as the son of Richard. Over time, the name evolved from "Dick’s son" into the shortened form used today. While the name appeared in various parts of Northern England during the Middle Ages, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of Chester by 1620. During this period, Chester served as a vital hub for trade and regional administration, placing the Dixon family at the center of a bustling urban environment. Families living in such cities often worked as merchants, craftsmen, or local officials, contributing to the growth and stability of the region. By settling in a significant center like Chester, these early ancestors helped solidify the name within the social fabric of English life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. a fleur-de-lis or, a chief erm”
DublinDublin, c. 1634
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Map of Ireland showing where the Dixon arms are recorded
The Dixon arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1634.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Dixon arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Dixon Family in Ireland
The surname Dixon has deep roots in Ireland that trace back to the early seventeenth century. By 1634, records confirm that members of the Dixon family were already established in Dublin. During this period, the name was often associated with families who migrated from Northern England and the Scottish Borders to settle in urban centers like Dublin. These early settlers were frequently involved in the city’s growing trade networks and administrative life. As the family integrated into Irish society, they became part of the shifting social fabric of a city that served as the primary hub for government and commerce. Over the following decades, the name became firmly embedded in the local history of the capital, reflecting the broader patterns of migration and settlement that defined seventeenth-century Ireland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
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. on a cross betw. four lozenges sa. an eagle displ. of the field”
LanarkGovanhill · Lanark, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Dixon arms are recorded
The Dixon arms were recorded in Lanark, c. 1748.
Lanarkshire ran along the upper Clyde, farming country with coal beneath it. Its landed families were long-established, and long establishment is what brought them into the register.
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 England when the Dixon 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 Lanark.
Origin & History of the Dixon Family in Scotland
The surname Dixon is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify someone as the son of Richard. In the Scottish Lowlands, the name became well-established as families moved and settled in various counties over several centuries. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the Dixon family had a clear presence in the town of Lanark. During this period, Lanark was a bustling center for trade and agriculture, and families living there were often involved in the local craft guilds or the developing textile industry. The presence of the family in this region by 1748 suggests they were part of the steady growth of the Scottish middle class during the Enlightenment. As the family put down roots in Lanark, they became integrated into the local community life, contributing to the social and economic fabric of the town as it transitioned into the modern era.
Dixon Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Richard
A Germanic name meaning brave or hardy ruler.
This name
DixonA patronymic surname meaning son of Dick, a common medieval diminutive of Richard.
also spelled
Dickson
Dyxon
Dyckson
Related arms
Dicksonvariant spelling
Dyxonvariant spelling
Agasrecorded with Dixon, same area
Berkeleyrecorded with Dixon, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Bishop’s Transcripts of Chester St Oswald, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
