A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Don family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3430 · Scottish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wolfReward from long service and hard work
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a wolf saliant ar”
Scotlandc. 1748
Where the Don Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Don arms are recorded
The Don 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 Don 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 Don Family in Scotland
The surname Don is deeply rooted in the history of the Scottish Lowlands, where it emerged as a distinct family name long before the mid-eighteenth century. While the name is often associated with the River Don in Aberdeenshire, many families bearing this title established themselves in the bustling urban environment of Edinburgh. By the year 1748, records show that members of the Don family were active participants in the city’s growing professional and merchant classes. During this era, Edinburgh was a center of the Scottish Enlightenment, and families like the Dons contributed to the city’s reputation as a hub for trade and intellectual progress. These early ancestors were likely involved in the civic life of the capital, helping to shape the social fabric of a nation undergoing rapid modernization. Their presence in the city archives during this time highlights a transition from rural origins to the influential roles they held in Scotland’s developing urban centers.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 unicorn ramp. ar. betw. ten crosses crosslet or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Don Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Don arms are recorded
The Don arms were recorded in London, 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 Scotland when the Don 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 Don Family in England
The surname Don carries a rich history that stretches back to early medieval times, often serving as a descriptive name for people who lived near a hill or a dark-colored landscape. By the time the seventeenth century arrived, members of the family had established a firm presence in the bustling environment of London. Records from 1620 show that individuals bearing this name were active participants in the city’s growing trade and social life during the reign of King James I. These early London residents were part of a period of rapid urban expansion, where families often moved into the capital to seek new opportunities in commerce and craft. Over the following decades, the name became increasingly woven into the fabric of English society as these families settled into various neighborhoods and contributed to the local economy. Their presence in the city during this era marks a significant chapter in the family story, reflecting the broader movement of people who helped shape the identity of London as a global center.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Donn
A Gaelic term referring to the color brown or dark.
This name
DonDerived from a descriptor for a person with dark hair or a swarthy complexion.
also spelled
Donne
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 Burgess and Guild Register, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
wolfReward from long service and hard work
wolfReward from long service and hard work
cross symbolChristian faith and service
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
