A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Duncans family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 5714 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au chev. d'or, ch. de trois fermaux ronds d'azur et acc. en chef de trois quintefeuilles rangées d'arg. et en p. d'un cor-de-chasse d'or, l'embouchure à dextre. C.: trois quintefeuilles d'arg., tigées du même.”
BritainDan, c. 1700
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Map of Britain showing where the Duncans arms are recorded
The Duncans arms were recorded in Dan, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Duncans arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Duncans Family in Britain
The surname Duncan is of ancient Gaelic origin, derived from the words "donn," meaning brown or dark, and "cath," meaning battle. While the name is most famously associated with the Scottish Highlands and the royal lineage of King Duncan I, families bearing the name began to disperse across Britain as trade and movement increased over the centuries. By the year 1700, records indicate that branches of the family had established a presence in the county of Kent in southeastern England. During this period, families in Kent were often involved in the thriving agricultural and maritime industries that defined the region. As these early Duncans settled into local life, they became part of the social fabric of English parish communities, appearing in local registers and tax records that tracked the movement of laborers and tradespeople. This transition from a northern clan-based identity to a settled life in the south reflects the broader patterns of migration that shaped the history of many British families during the eighteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. a chev. engr. or, betw. two cinquefoils in chief ar. and a hunting-horn in base of the last garnished az”
ForfarParkhill · Forfar, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Duncans arms are recorded
The Duncans arms were recorded in Forfar, c. 1748.
Forfar, now called Angus, was farming country on Scotland's east coast between the hills and the sea. Its landed families were long-settled, and long settlement is exactly what fills a register of 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 Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Britain when the Duncans 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 Forfar.
Origin & History of the Duncans Family in Scotland
The surname Duncan is deeply rooted in the Gaelic language, originating from the words "donn" meaning brown and "cath" meaning battle. This name was historically associated with the early kings of Scotland, most notably King Duncan I, who ruled in the eleventh century. By the time the family established a documented presence in Forfar in 1748, the name had spread across the Scottish Lowlands and the eastern coast. During this era, families in towns like Forfar were often deeply involved in the local trade and agricultural life of the region. The Duncans of this period were part of a growing middle class that helped shape the social and economic development of Angus. Their history reflects the broader transition of Scottish society from a clan-based structure to one centered on town life and local industry.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. two roses in chief and a buglehorn in base ar. stringed and garnished az”
EnglandMarylebone, c. 1764
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Map of England showing where the Duncans arms are recorded
The Duncans arms were recorded in Marylebone, c. 1764.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Britain when the Duncans 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 Duncans Family in England
The surname Duncan is primarily of Gaelic origin, derived from the words for "dark warrior," and it was historically associated with the royal houses of Scotland. By the mid-18th century, families bearing this name had established a firm presence in northern England, particularly in the historic city of York. In 1764, records indicate that members of the Duncan family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region. During this era, York served as a major hub for trade and administration, drawing families from the borderlands and beyond to settle in its parishes. These early residents were often integrated into the local merchant classes or skilled trades, contributing to the urban growth of the city during the Georgian period. Their presence in York reflects the broader movement of people across the Anglo-Scottish border, which helped to spread the name throughout northern English counties during the 1700s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Donnchadh
Derived from the Gaelic words for brown warrior or dark chieftain.
This name
DuncansA patronymic surname signifying descendant of the brown-haired warrior or dark-haired chief.
also spelled
Duncann
Duncane
Dunc
Dunkan
Duncanson
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Black, George Fraser. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
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
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
cinquefoilHope and joy
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
