A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dun family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6210 · English, 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 ramp. ar. charged on the shoulder with a fleur-de-lis gu”
EnglandBristol, c. 1558
Where the Dun Arms Were Recorded
Bristol
Map of England showing where the Dun arms are recorded
The Dun arms were recorded in Bristol, c. 1558.
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.
Mary I
Sovereign of the period
Mary I
1553–1558
Reigning in England when the Dun 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 Dun Family in England
The family name Dun has deep roots in England, appearing in historical records as early as the sixteenth century. By 1558, members of the Dun family were well-established in the bustling port city of Bristol. During this period, Bristol served as a vital hub for international trade and maritime activity, which likely influenced the lives and occupations of those living there. The name itself is thought to be descriptive, often used in medieval times to identify someone with dark hair or a swarthy complexion. As the family settled into the social fabric of Bristol, they participated in the local economy and community life that defined the Elizabethan era. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the region, reflecting the steady growth and movement of families across the English landscape during the transition into the early modern period.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
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 ramp. and a chief ar”
Scotlandc. 1605
Where the Dun Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Dun arms are recorded
The Dun arms were recorded in Scotland, c. 1605.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1587–1625
Reigning in England when the Dun 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 Dun Family in Scotland
The family name Dun is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with its origins likely tied to the Gaelic word for a hill fort or a fortified settlement. By the early seventeenth century, members of the Dun family were well-established figures in the bustling urban environment of Edinburgh. Records from 1605 confirm their presence in the capital, where they participated in the social and professional life of a city undergoing significant political and cultural shifts. During this period, families with this name were often associated with the merchant class or local administration, reflecting the growing influence of town-dwelling citizens in Scottish society. As the family navigated the complexities of life in Edinburgh, they contributed to the local economy and the evolving identity of the city during the reign of King James VI. Their early history serves as a window into how Scottish families transitioned from regional origins to becoming integral parts of the nation’s administrative and urban centers.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dunn
Old English word meaning dark or swarthy in color.
This name
DunA descriptive nickname for a person with dark hair or a dark complexion.
also spelled
Dunne
Dunse
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bristol Archives, Records of the Corporation of Bristol: Common Council Proceedings, 1558
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
