A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dow family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6014 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. a fesse dancettée erm. betw. three doves ar”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Dow Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Dow arms are recorded
The Dow 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 England when the Dow 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 Dow Family in England
The surname Dow has roots that stretch back to early modern England, where it was often used to describe people based on their physical traits or their place of origin. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Dow family were established residents of London. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and social change, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. Many individuals with this name worked as merchants or skilled tradespeople, contributing to the growing economy of the capital. As the family settled into urban life, they became part of the diverse fabric of seventeenth-century English society, leaving behind traces in parish registers and legal documents that help historians map their movements through the city.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Or, on a mullet sa. a pigeon ar”
ScotlandArdonhall, c. 1748
Where the Dow Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Dow arms are recorded
The Dow arms were recorded in Ardonhall, 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 England when the Dow 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 Dow Family in Scotland
The surname Dow is deeply rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the word dubh, which translates to black. In early Scottish history, this name was often used as a descriptive nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a clear presence in Edinburgh. Records from 1748 show members of the Dow family living and working within the city during a time of significant social and political change in Scotland. These early ancestors were part of the urban growth that defined Edinburgh as a center for trade and culture. As the family settled into city life, they became part of the long tradition of Scottish clans and families who helped shape the identity of the nation. Their history reflects the broader movement of people from the rural Highlands and Lowlands into the developing capital city.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Dubh
A Gaelic term meaning dark or black.
This name
DowA topographic name for someone who lived near a dark-colored stream or hill.
also spelled
Dowse
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, 1603–1625
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
